The AIF Project

Ralph CALDWELL

Regimental number1886
Place of birthCarlton, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressDederang, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinAunt, H Maddison, Nangen's Bridge, via Dederang, Victoria
Enlistment date8 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name6th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/23/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 13 April 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work at Herleville Wood on 23 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 30 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry on the 23rd day of August, 1918, at HERLEVILLE WOOD. During the attack when the enemy were menacing our right flank, which appeared to be in the air, this N.C.O. took charge of his Lewis Gun Section, and dashing ahead through a heavy Machine Gun and rifle barrage established a commanding position and succeeded in inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing enemy, causing them to turn and flee. This N.C.O. remained at his post for a period of nine hours and despite heavy Machine Gun fire succeeded in beating off repeated attempts by the enemy to break through. His daring and initiative was of the highest order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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