The AIF Project

Work near Proyart from 23-27 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 30 August 1918

'During period 23rd/27th August, 1918, during the operations against enemy positions near ST. MARTINS WOOD, east of PROYART, Private CUMMINS performed gallant and courageous work as a Battalion Headquarters Runner. On 24th August, 1918, during a violent enemy shell storm a runner entrusted with an important despatch to the Forward Companies becoming a casualty, Private CUMMINS (a mere boy) and another without waiting for orders took the despatch and set out in the shell storn to deliver it. CUMMINS' companion became a casualty, and CUMMINS placed him under shelter. He proceeded on alone under heavy artillery fire, safely delivered the despatch and then returned to his wounded comrade, whom he carried out to a position of safety. During the operations 23rd/27th August, 1918, Private CUMMINS on a number of occasions volunteered to carry and did carry messages from Battalion Headquarters to forward Companies during periods of heavy enemy shell fire. His work was performed with the greatest cheerfulness and courage, and in carrying these messages forward he was performing very important work in the interest of the success of our attack and the work of his own Battalion.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919