The AIF Project

Howard Randolph DOUGLAS

Regimental number4361
Place of birthGunnedah New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationGrocer
AddressGunnedah, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, E Douglas, Gunnedah, New South Wales
Enlistment date13 August 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll13 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name1st Battalion, 13th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/18/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 20 December 1915
Regimental number from Nominal Roll4361A
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (Immediate)


Recommendation date: 30 April 1918

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 24th April, 1918, near CORBIE, when the 55th A.F.A. Battery were being heavily shelled, the telephone line between the battery and Brigade was cut by hostile fire. Gunner DOUGLAS immediately went to Visual Post and opened up communication with Lucas Lamp with Brigade Headquarters. He was knocked down twice by concussion from shells, but he persevered and kept up communication. Gas shells were bursting in his vicinity, and he found it impossible to see, through the smoke and gas, the distant lamp. He took off his mask, still keeping the tube in his mouth and the nose clip firm, and carried on again. Later on he went out repairing lines and was employed continuously on these duties from 6 a.m. to 1.30 pm. It was never necessary to give him an order and he quickly volunteered where necessary in repairing and shifting to a safe place the line from Brigade Headquarters to Artillery Headquarters. He also assisted to dress the wound of Gunner MARSHALL, and, after seeing him safely to the Dressing Station returned to repair work. his splendid example of courage and devotion to duty are worthy of special recognition.'

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