The AIF Project

Stephen COLLETT

Regimental number3058
Place of birthMillicent, South Australia
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressElizabeth J Collett, Currency Creek, Strathalbyn, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, W Collett, Currency Creek, Strathalbyn, South Australia
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll15 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name22nd Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/39/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 26 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll58th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


Work near Harbonnieres on 9 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 11 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
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: 14 March 1919

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: 11 December 1919

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