Regimental number | 3058 |
Place of birth | Millicent, South Australia |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Elizabeth J Collett, Currency Creek, Strathalbyn, South Australia |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 23 |
Next of kin | Father, W Collett, Currency Creek, Strathalbyn, South Australia |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 22nd Battalion, 7th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/39/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 58th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Distinguished Conduct Medal Work near Harbonnieres on 9 August 1918. Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This N.C.O. was in charge of the Lewis gun teams of his company, and kept moving from post to post under heavy machine gun fire, keeping the guns in action, and when casualties occurred often firing the gun himself until a fresh gunner was sent up from the rear. His coolness and determination under difficulty conditions was of the highest order'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: Bar to DCM 'For marked gallantry and good work during the period 25 February - 16 September, 1918. At Ville-sur-Ancre, on the nights of 3-4 July, when all Lewis guns were out of action owing to being clogged with mud, he placed captured enemy machine guns in position under heavy fire, and instructed his men in the use of them. He did great execution himself with one of these guns during the enemy counter attack. Again, on 9 August east of Harbonnieres, he rendered great service to his company when they were held up by enemy machine gun fire by working Lewis gun sections round the enemy's flank, and causing them to surrender.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135 Date: |