Date of birth | |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Barrister |
Address | Virginia Street, Newtown via Geelong, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Thomas William Freeman, Virginia Street, Newtown via Geelong, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | 2nd Lieutenant |
Unit name | 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/41/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant-Colonel |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 24th Battalion |
Promotions |
Lieutenant Colonel Unit: 31st Battalion Promotion date: |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918). |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) | *given name two spellings Niel and Neil |
Medals |
Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when his battalion was attacked by the enemy after a preliminary bombardment of great intensity. Though his right flank was exposed by the enemy attack, he held his position with the greatest determination, and repulsed the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties. When reinforcements arrived he personally directed their dispositions under a very heavy enemy barrage, and continued to send clear and encouraging reports upon the situation. He was able eventually to cover the gap on his flank and to consolidate the position. On a subsequent occasion he rendered great assistance in supporting an attack and in consolidating a captured position. His courage and devotion to duty were beyond all praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 120 Date: |
Other details | Medals: Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |