The AIF Project

Claude HAYSOM

Regimental number9343
Place of birthMelbourne Vic
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMechanic
AddressColeraine, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFriend, Mrs J J Johnson, 'Koorine', Coleraine, Victoria
Enlistment date13 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentMT DVR
Unit nameAMC Motor Drivers
AWM Embarkation Roll number26/106/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 12 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Australian Motor Transport Company
FateReturned to Australia 29 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the morning of August 9th, 1918 during the operations carried out by 2nd and 5th Australian Division East of AMIENS, this driver was evacuating wounded from Regimental Aid Posts in front of HARBONNIERES to the Advanced Dressing Station. For two hours the village was continuously shelled and was evacuated by all troops in the vicinity and, although two cars had already been put out of action on this route, he carried on with complete disregard of danger until an avoiding road was discovered. To his efforts the successful evacuation of many wounded was entirely due. His bravery and courage were beyond all praise.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Bar to Military Medal

'This soldier on 34d October, 1918, during the fighting north of ST. QUENTIN displayed great bravery undr fire. Though he had already been driving continuously for 16 hours he repaired his tyres under shell fire, and replaced the back wheel which had been destroyed by a shell burst, thus ensuring the evacuation of 20 stretcher cases which would otherwise have been held up. He then went forward with his car through a heavily shelled village at night. The road was blocked with debris, but nothing daunted, he cleared a way for his car, and established a Motor Loading Post beyond the village, through which he drove his car under shell fire until all wounded had been evacuated.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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