The AIF Project

Arthur Ernest EMMERSON

Regimental number27
Place of birthHeathcote, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCompositor
Address23 Gratton Street, Bendigo, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMrs A Emmerson, 23 Gratton Street, Bendigo, Victoria
Enlistment date7 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll7 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentSIG
Unit name29th Battalion, Headquarters, Signallers
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Vic, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At MORLANCOURT on night 28/29th July 1918, he showed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During the day prior to our attack on the enemy system trenches this N.C.O. worked all day preparing lines for the attack and during the progress of same worked under very heavy shell and Machine gun fire, repairing the breaks. He patrolled the lines and largely assisted in keeping the communications. This N.C.O. displayed the utmost disregard of personal danger. On night 29/30th when a counter-attack was expected and communication had to be kept at all costs, the enemy put down a heavy Gas shell barrage, and all lines back from front Line were cut. This N.C.O. immediately went out wearing Gas mask and with sandbags on his hands, repairing breaks made by Gas shells and in some cases standing over shell craters from which gas fumes were strongly rising. After being out 10 minutes communication was restored but by the time he had returned to Signal Dugout the lines had again been broken. He turned back and again patrolled and repaired lines. This work was rendered extremely difficult owing to the fact that Lance Corporal EMMERSON had to work with blistered hands (caused through soakage of gas through sandbags) and having to wear his Gas Mask continuously for 1 hour.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.