The AIF Project

'For courage and devotion to duty. These men [Kimball and 2780 Sapper Douglas Desmond BRUCE] are members of No. 5 Section of this Company attached to the 5th Australian Machine Gun Battalion. On 17th September 1918 on the ST. QUENTIN front they, in company with an N.C.O., succeeded in establishing communication between Battalion Headquarters, near VENDELLES, N.W. of ST. QUENTIN, and the four Company Headquarters, preparatory to operations to take place on the 18th September. The work was completed between 4.30 p.m. and 5.15 p.m. during which time they were caught in an enemy area shoot but persisted in their duties. About 11 p.m. on the 17th September several lines were cut. These linesmen again went out, and under heavy shelling had normal communication established before the shelling ceased. From 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. on the 18th September, they were continuously repairing lines which had been damaged by enemy shelling. They succeeded in maintaining communication with firing batteries at a critical time under most trying circumstances. They were exceptionally good examples of devotion to duty without regard to personal safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919