The AIF Project

Work done at Le Barque on 25 February 1917.
Recommendation date: 1 March 1917

Powers of organisation and devotion to duty near Le Barque 24-26 February 1917.
Recommendation date: 10 March 1917

For gallantry in action at Belgian Wood, South East of Ypres at 2.30 am on 27 March 1918.
Recommendation date: 31 March 1918

Work done at Le Barque on 25 February 1917.
Recommendation date: "Unspecified"

'Near LE BARQUE, FRANCE, on the 25th February, 1917, Corporal DEARDEN went back and gathered together some men who had become slightly disorganised by the enemy's artillery fire, and brought them up to the front line by a track which was not under fire. Later he showed excellent spirit, and proved of great assistance in tending the wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140
Date: 27 August 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on patrol with six men he engaged a hostile party of forty, killing at least two and taking a wounded officer prisoner, dispersing the remainder. On putting his prisoner under guard he took his patrol out again, but was wounded. In spite of this he engaged a similar party of the enemy and dispersed it, and when, on retiring, one of his party was found to be missing, went back, and finding him dead brought the body in, thereby preventing the enemy from obtaining an identification.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918