Robert Irving KEYS

Regimental number6860
Place of birthMuswellbrook, New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationStation manager
AddressDenbie, Singleton, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinFather, Mr I B Keys, Denbie, Singleton, New South Wales
Enlistment date20 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 22nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT SS Port Napier on 17 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll12th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 20 October 1918

FateDischarged 5 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Near ST. SOUPLET on the 17th and 18th October 1918, when the 45th Battery was constantly under shell fire, Gunner KEYS, who was acting as battery clerk, took on himself the duties of dressing and removing wounded. On the morning of the 18th October 1918, when the Battery opened fire in support of an attack by the 30th American Division, it was immediately subjected to heavy fire from the enemy. Gunner KEYS attended to wounded men under this shelling until he was wounded himself. After the last of the wounded had been removed he again returned to give assistance to the gun crews which were by this time greatly depleted by casualties. His courage and splendid sense of duty were of praiseworthy example to all with whom he was in came in contact.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Wounded in action (1) 11 June 1917; (2) 19 October 1917. Discharged in England.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal