Regimental number | 462 |
Date of birth | |
Place of birth | Elgin, Scotland |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Laen, Minyip, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 23 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Sarah G Geddes, Pitgabeny, Elgin, Scotland |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 39th Battalion, B Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/56/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Company Sergeant Major |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 39th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Bar to Military Medal Recommendation date: Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'On the 7th/8th and 9th June, 1917, during operations south of MESSINES for conspicuous ability and gallant conduct. Only two Officers remaining with his Battalion, this N.C.O. was instrumental in leading his men to their objectives under the most trying circumstances. By his determination and personal courage he inspired confidence in his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: Bar to Military Medal 'On the night of 5th/6th May, 1918, in the locality of MERICOURT, this N.C.O. with a fighting patrol moved forward to cover a party establishing a line between this Brigade and the Brigade on our right, remaining in his position forward throughout the night and the following day. During this period his party was subjected to very heavy shelling, under which he rendered most valuable assistance to his Officer in controlling his party, preventing casualties and keeping touch with the Right Brigade. On the night of the 6th/7th May, 1918, he again moved forward with the same patrol and remained out for five hours as a covering party to the right Company of this Brigade which was moving forward; but owing to the adverse weather conditions, our line was not fully established forward. On the night of the 7th/8th May, he again went forward with his fighting patrol to cover the advance of his Company. A heavy enemy barrage was dropped on our forward position, killing the Officer in charge of his patrol - without hesitation and on his own initiative he assumed control of the party, moved forward through the enemy barrage and established a position to meet any emergency for counter attacking the enemy and covering his Company. He remained forward there, until his Company had established itself in the new forward position. On each of these three successive nights he displayed marked judgment, courage and leadership under adverse conditions.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: |
Discharge date | |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Total war service: 1363 days (of which 1242 days were abroad) Returned to Australia on board HMAT 'Euripides'; undertook ship-based course of instruction in motor engineering, 7 September-17 October 1919 (standard: 99%). Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 51 |
Place of burial | Laen North Cemetery, via Donald/Minyip, Victoria |