Aubrey Erle HAPGOOD

Regimental number448
Place of birthNowra New South Wales
ReligionMethodist
OccupationFarmer
AddressLock Leven, Inverell, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, A Hapgood, Lock Leven, Inverell, New South Wales
Enlistment date1 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name33rd Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/50/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A74 Marathon on 4 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Division Light Trench Mortar Battery
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 23 July 1917

FateReturned to Australia 8 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the 16th July, 1917, near MESSINES, an advanced dugout occupied by Lieutenant PART and 9 other ranks was destroyed by enemy shell fire, and Lieutenant PART and 8 men were wounded. On the Officer being rendered Hors de combat, Corporal HAPGOOD immediately took charge of the situation. He went to the Advanced Dressing Station, 200 yards distant, under heavy shell fire, and returned with Lance Corporal PRATT and Private TREFAIL of the 10th Field Ambulance. He accompanied the ambulance men to the dugout and superintended the evacuation of the wounded, and although subjected to intense shell ire, he succeeded in getting Lieutenant PART and the men who were wounded, back to the A.D.S. During the whole time he was performing this task, Corporal HAPGOOD displayed conspicuous courage and the cool manner in which he handled the situation, showed great presence of mind under extreme difficulties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 9
Date: 24 January 1918