Melville Roy GRINHAM

Regimental number2588
Place of birthMount Gambier South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGroom
AddressMerino, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, L E Grinham, Merino, Victoria
Enlistment date15 June 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll24 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board SS Makarini on 15 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Victoria Cross (Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal)


For gallant and most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, saving critical situation and enabling Company to advance. Also for consistent good work throughout. (Polygon Wood).
Recommendation date: 27 September 1917

FateReturned to Australia 25 November 1917
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When his company was held up by machine gun fire he advanced alone 200 yards ahead of the company and captured the machine gun, putting all the crew out of action. Later in the day he did splendid work in reconnoitring the advance to the final objective. He showed magnificent courage and determination and his splendid action saved a most critical situation.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other detailsMedals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death21 March 1953
Age at death55
Place of burialCasterton Cemetery, Victoria