Charles FINCHAM

Regimental number54
Place of birthPetersham New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressUki, Tweed River, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs Sarah Ann Fincham, Garth Owen, McIntosh Street, Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 11
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/16/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 5 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCompany Quartermaster Sergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Machine Gun Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 5 June 1918

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', Second Supplement, No. 30107 (1 June 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 (4 October 1917).

FateReturned to Australia 31 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on night of 25th May, 1918, near VILLERS BRTONNEUX, east of AMIENS, when in charge of a limber carrying rations to the front line. The enemy heavily bombarded all roads and valley along which the limber had to pass, with H.E. and gas. The driver was badly wounded and one mule killed. With great presence of mind and a total disregard for his personal safety C.Q.M.S. FINCHAM immediately sent the wounded man and remaining mule to the rear, organised ration parties, which he personally conducted through the barrage. In spite of the fact that the party had to work throughout in their gas masks, he succeeded in delivering the rations without the loss of a single man. By his splendid example of coolness and courage he set a fine example to the remainder of his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death30 January 1963
Place of burialRookwood Necropolis