The AIF Project

Recommendation date: "2 March 1917

Recommendation date: 2 March 1917

Recommendation date: 8 July 1918"

'During the 14th Battalion's tour of duty fro 24th January, 1917, to 9th February, 1917, in the GUEUDECOURT Sector this man displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty and great personal risk assisted to maintain telephone communication between Battalion Headquarters and the front line during heavy shell fire. While in support of the 13th Battalion during the operations on night of 4th/5th February, 1917, to north east of GUEUDECOURT, he assisted maintaining communications forward from POSSUM TRENCH to advanced Battalion Headquarters, during what was declared to be one of the heaviest artillery barrages ever experienced on the western front.' Second entry reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at VAIRE WOOD, south east of CORBIE on 4th July, 1918. This N.C.O. was one of a forward party laying cable behind the assaulting waves. Though compelled to fight during the passage of the WOOD he carried his wire to his objective and established communication. From the on for 48 hours he continually patrolled the lines which were broken by enemy shell fire. No fire was heavy enough to stop him and it was largely due to his ceaseless patrolling and cool contempt for danger that unbroken communication existed from Battalion Headquarters to all Companies throughout the whole operations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919