Robert Alexander GERDTS

Regimental number1836
Place of birthMurtoa, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressMurtoa, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27.3
Height5' 5"
Weight145 lbs
Next of kinFather, Frederick Gerdts, Murtoa PO, Murtoa, Victoria
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date4 April 1916
Place of enlistmentMelbourne, Victoria
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name39th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/56/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Orontes on 16 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll39th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 17 October 1917

FateKilled in Action 6 December 1917
Place of burialBerks Cemetery Extension (Posenberg Plateau Plots), (Plot II, Row B, Grave No. I), Ploegsteert, Belgium
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
131
Medals

Military Medal

'On 4th October 1917, East of YPRES, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. After he had assisted in capturing his own objective, he volunteered to go forward and assist in taking the objective of the 40th Battalion. He displayed a prominent part in capturing a strong enemy Machine Gun Post and his work throughout the whole of the Operations was of a very high order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, GERDTS Robert Alexander