The AIF Project

Herbert John Ernest CASSON

Regimental number412
Place of birthWarracknabeal, Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarmer
AddressPinnaroo, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs Elizabeth Casson, Pinnaroo, South Australia
Enlistment date29 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 8, Reinforcement 6
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/13/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 20 October 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll412C
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Altered to Military Medal)


Work near Proyart on 10-11 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 18 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 10 May 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Commemorated in Murrayville, Victoria. Photo: Peter Dennis
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations by the 10th Australian Infantry Brigade in the vicinity of PROYART on the night of the 10th/11th August, 1918, this soldier was employed as a runner. He had to continually carry messages backward and forward from Company Headquarters to Sections, all the time passing through a heavy barrage of bombs, artillery, and machine gun fire. Twice he returned with guns to replace those which had been knocked out. It was largely owing to his courage and endurance that Company Headquarters was kept informed of the action taken by the Sections. He displayed an heroic spirit of courage and endurance and set a fine example to all with whom he came in contact.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.