The AIF Project

George CARTWRIGHT

Regimental number726
Date of birth9 December 1894
Place of birthSouth Kensington, London, England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressElsmore via Inverell, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, W E Cartwright, 6 Newchurch Road, Camberwell, London, England
Enlistment date9 December 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll19 December 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name33rd Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/50/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A74 Marathon on 4 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll33rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Victoria Cross


Work near Bouchavesnes on 31 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 31 March 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Commemorated in Garden of Remembrance, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales. Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance.
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the morning of the 31st August, 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine gun fire, from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation, Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team, and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. This gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination, and courage of the highest order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II: enlisted Liverpool, New South Wales, 5 March 1940; discharged, 10 May 1946, as N60360 Captain, 1st Australian Infantry Bn.
Date of death2 February 1978

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