The AIF Project

Henry DALZIEL

Regimental number1936
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFireman
AddressAtherton, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinMother, Mrs E M Dalziel, Atherton, Queensland
Enlistment date22 January 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll16 January 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name15th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/32/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A55 Kyarra on 16 April 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Victoria Cross


For action during the battle for Hamel in the attack on Pear Trench on 4 July 1918.
Recommendation date: 8 July 1918

FateReturned to Australia 5 January 1919
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action with a Lewis gun section. His company met with determined resistance from a strong point which was strongly garrisoned, manned by numerous machine guns, and undamaged by our artillery fire, was also protected by strong wire entanglements. A heavy concentration of machine gun fire caused many casualties, and held up our advance. His Lewis gun having come into action and silenced enemy guns in one direction, an enemy gun fire opened from another direction. Private Dalziel dashed at it, and with his revolver killed and captured the entire crew and gun, and allowed our advance to continue. He was severely wounded in the hand, but carried on and took part in the capture of the final objective. He twice went over open ground under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire to secure ammunition, though sufferring from considerable loss of blood. He filled magazines and served his gun until severely wounded through the head. His magnificent bravery and devotion to duty was an inspiring example to all his comrades, and his dash and unselfish courage at a most critical time undoubtedly saved many lives, and turned what could have been a severe check into a splendid success.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191
Date: 12 December 1918

Other detailsMedals: Victoria Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death24 July 1965
Place of burialMt Thompson Crematorium


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