The AIF Project

Cornelius BALDWIN

Regimental number27898
Place of birthMelbourne, Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationHotelkeeper
AddressSt Arnaud, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinSister, Miss M Baldwin, St Arnaud, Victoria
Enlistment date30 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentGunner
Unit nameHowitzer Brigade 25, Reinforcement 6
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/135/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 20 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Work near Zonnebeke on 12 October 1917.
Recommendation date: 1 November 1917

Military Medal


Work at Villers-Bretonneux on 7-8 August 1918.

FateReturned to Australia 1 July 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Photo: Peter Dennis
Medals

Military Medal

'On 12th October, 1917, near ZONNEBEKE, north east of YPRES, this man in company with Gunner McKENZIE, was acting as linesman to an F.O.O. party, when their officer was severely wounded and, although themselves suffering from concussion, under heavy shell fire they carried him to a sheltered position. After obtaining the assistance of a stretcher and two bearers, they continued their journey to an aid post, when a shell burst, killing the two bearers and again wounding their officer. The immediately obtained another stretcher and four German prisoners and completed their journey to the aid post. Their persistent efforts under a heavy barrage and such trying conditions displayed a devotion to duty and a high example of personal courage.Second entry reads: 'These gunners, acting as telephonists, formed part of an Observation Post party who were manning a post on the night 7th/8th August 1918 at VILLERS BRETONNEUX near AMIENS. Heavy area shoots were placed by the enemy on our forward areas cutting the telephone lines repeatedly. These men remained on the lines throughout the night showing utter disregard for personal safety, enabling the Observation Officer to pass useful information to our Counter Batteries, thereby assisting the Infantry during their forming up for attack. They showed great courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death8 August 1941
Age at death60
Place of burialSt Arnaud Cemetery, Victoria

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.