Cecil James GUNN

Regimental number1691
Place of birthDimboola Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationCarpenter
AddressDimboola, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Cunningham Gunn, Lyndhurst, Penshurst, Victoria
Enlistment date28 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name58th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/75/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 4 April 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll60th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Awarded Mention in Corps Orders)


Recommendation date: 16 May 1917

FateKilled in Action 1 October 1918
Place of burialBellicourt British Cemetery (Plot I, Row E, Grave No. 7), France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
165
Medals

Military Medal

'Private GUNN was a Battalion Headquarters runner on 2nd September 1918 during the attack on PERONNE. He made many trips through the town to rear Headquarters and up to the front line. Throughout the day the town was heavily shelled and the vicinity of the front line was exposed to continuous and heavy Machine gun fire. The utter disregard of danger and marked bravery and devotion to duty of Private GUNN was a fine example and encouragement to all his comrades, and by his agency communication to the front and rear was kept up at critical times when the wires were being constantly cut by shell fire. In addition to his duties as a runner Private GUNN carried up as much ammunition as he could carry each trip to the front line, or from rear Battalion Headquarters to the Battalion there being an urgent demand for same. Private GUNN has a fine record of good service as a Battalion Headquarters runner.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal