The AIF Project

Recommendation date: 28 January 1919

'On the night 2nd/3rd October, 1918, north of ESTREES near ST. QUENTIN, 2nd Corporal HARDING accompanied his Officer to lay out "jumping off" tapes on the front of the 5th A.I. Brigade, preparatory to the attack on the BEAUREVOIR line on the following morning. Owing to shortness of notice no reconnaissance of the ground had been possible. The tapes, approximately 2,000 yards in length and with direction tapes were laid by midnight, the line running a considerable distance in front of the outposts, and considerable artillery and machine gun fire was experienced. By his courage, resourcefulness and skilful use of the compass he greatly assisted in the accurate laying of the line. On the night of 19th May, 1918, west of MORLANCOURT, 2nd Corporal HARDING had charge of a working party on a communication trench up to the outpost line. This work was successfully completed notwithstanding heavy machine gun fire and the next night he assisted his section officer in taping and supervising the digging of the front line also under very heavy machine gun fire. 2nd Corporal HARDING has at all times conducted himself with the greatest gallantry and coolness under the most difficult conditions and has greatly inspired his men. He has been twice wounded, at POZIERES, 31st July, 1916, and at BULLECOURT, 3rd May, 1917.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919