Regimental number | 1352 |
Date of birth | |
Place of birth | Lowestoft, Suffolk, England |
School | Lowestoft Municipal Secondary School, England |
Age on arrival in Australia | 19 |
Religion | Protestant |
Occupation | Prospector |
Address | Port Moresby, New Guinea |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Height | 5' 7.5" |
Weight | 160 lbs |
Next of kin | Father, Thomas Charles Castleton, 18 Wilson's Road, South Lowestoft, Suffolk, England |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Liverpool, New South Wales |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 18th Battalion, Machine Gun Section |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 2nd Machine Gun Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Victoria Cross Conspicuous bravery in attack, and gallantry in rescuing wounded under intense fire, during the performance of which he was killed. Recommendation date: |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Age at death from cemetery records | 23 |
Place of burial | Pozieres British Cemetery (Plot IV), Row L, Grave No. 43), Ovillers-La-Boisselle, France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 177 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Thomas and Edith CASTLETON, 18 Wilson Road, Lowestoft, England |
Medals |
Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's trenches the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine gun fire opened by the enemy. Many wounded were left in "No Man's Land" lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out twice in face of this intense fire, and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time, and was bringing in another wounded man, when he himself was hit in the back, and killed instantly. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Proceeded from Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli,16 August 1915. Admitted to HS 'Nevaska', 15 September 1915 (dysentery); transferred to No 1 Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, 19 September 1915; to No 4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia, 27 September 1915; to New Zealand and Australian Convalescent Hospital, Helouan, 22 October 1915. Embarked for Gallipoli from Alexandria, 8 November 1915; reported for duty, 18th Bn, Gallipoli, 8 December 1915. Appointed Corporal, 7 December 1915. Disembarked Alexandria from Mudros, 9 January 1916 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Admitted to 8th Field Ambulance, Ismailia, 27 January 1916 (malaria); transferred to 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 28 January 1916; to 1st Australian Stationary Hospital, Ismailia, 29 January 1916; discharged to duty, 16 February 1916; rejoined unit, 17 February 1916. Appointed Temporary Sergeant , 20 February 1916. Transferred to 5th Machine Gun Company, 8 March 1916. Proceeded from Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 17 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, 23 March 1916. Promoted Sergeant, 16 March 1916. Killed in action, 29 July 1916. Posthumously awarded Victoria Cross, 26 September 1916. Medals: Victoria Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Sources | NAA: B2455, CASTLETON Claude Charles |