The AIF Project

Irving Wellington GARDINER

Regimental number2078
Place of birthBallarat, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMiner
AddressHigh Street, West Ararat, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs Harriet Gardiner, High Street, West Ararat, Victoria
Previous military serviceServed for 6 months in the Victorian Rangers, Citizen Military Forces.
Enlistment date9 May 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll8 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name39th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/56/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 25 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll39th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: "Unspecified"

FateReturned to Australia 30 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallant conduct and devotion to duty. In daylight on September 1918 this Non Commissioned Officer went out in charge of a patrol under heavy machine gun and artillery fire to get contact with and find out in what strength the enemy was holding BONY AVENUE. He gained contact and brought back very useful and reliable information. Two of his patrol were wounded and although under heavy fire from the enemy he succeeded in bringing them back. On Tuesday 1st October 1918 when this Battalion advanced from GUILLEMONT CRESENT to the East bank of the CANAL this Non Commissioned Officer was in charge of a party of scouts from his Company - he pushed forward under machine gun fire and brought back valuable information as to strength and position of enemy machine guns. This Non Commissioned Officer by his cheerful manner and disregard of danger set a very fine example to the men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Discharge date20 July 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked from Melbourne, 25 September 1916; disembarked Plymouth, 11 November 1919.

Proceeded overseas to France, 4 February 1917; taken on strength, 39th Bn, 7 February 1917.

Admitted to 10th Australian Field Ambulance, 20 March 1917 (injury to ankle); rejoined Bn, 27 March 1917.

Promoted Corporal, 29 March 1918; Sergeant, 29 June 1918.

To hospital, 10 July 1918 (influenza); rejoined Bn, 26 July 1918.

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Karogala', 1 May 1919; discharged, 20 July 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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