The AIF Project

'During the operations North West of LIHONS from 10th to 12th August 1918 Corporal ARCHER was N.C.O. in charge of a Stokes Mortar and showed an excellent example of devotion to duty and coolness under heavy artillery and Machine Gun fire on several occasions. during the advance of our troops Corporal ARCHER pushed his gun forward with the advancing waves and notwithstanding the fact that on each occasion his own position was absolutely exposed and swept by heavy Machine Gun and artillery fire he kept his gun in action and rendered very valuable assistance by knocking out several hostile Machine Guns which were holding up our flanks. During the enemys attack on Crepey Wood Corporal ARCHERS's gun and crew were bruied by the enemy's intense artillery barrage. With great determination and coolness and showing an utter disregard for danger he immediately extricated his crew and brought his gun into action again on the enemy's flank inflicting very severe casualties on the enemy. His excellent work on this occasion prevented what might have been a very serious situation for the left flank of our Infantry in Crepey Wood. On another occasion he rendered very excellent and valuable services by taking his gun forward with a patrol which was getting in touch with the enemy in Madame Bois. His gun was absolutely exposed to very heavy Machine Gun fire from both flanks and front but in spite of this he kept his gun in action, covering the advance of the party and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. When the patrol was ordered to withdraw he covered the withdrawal and prevented the enemy from coming round the right flank of the [... gun: page incomplete].'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919