The AIF Project

Arthur David SIMPSON

Regimental number1517
Place of birthDunedin New Zealand
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationCommercial traveller
AddressKensington, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation40
Next of kinWife, Mrs Sarah Simpson, Bunerong Road, Kensington, New South Wales
Enlistment date17 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name34th Battalion, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/51/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 2 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll34th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'This man during the days prior to the 3rd YPRES Battle and during the 6 days of the 5th YPRES Battle by his coolness when the Pack Transport carrying up supplies and ammunition almost nightly came under heavy enemy shell fire set such a fine example of coolness to the men of the train that the Battalion rations were regularly delivered. On the night of 14th/15th October a particularly heavy bombardment was placed on the pack train in vicinity of ZONNEBEKE Railway Station one driver being killed with one horse and two mules wounded Lance Corporal Simpson got the balance of the train to a more secure place and taking off some of the packs he went back and unloaded from the injured animals thus getting through to the Battalion with all supplies. His bravery and coolness under fire was almost nightly commented upon by the men in the Transport Section and was most inspiring to them, and it was largely due to his fine example that the transporting of rations etc. over this particularly dangerous track was successfully accomplished each night.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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