The AIF Project

John William LAWLESS

Regimental number4465
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationStockman
Addressc/o J W Speakman, Newcastle on Tyne, England
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation35
Next of kinUncle, Rev J W Speakman, Newcastle on Tyne, England
Enlistment date3 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentActing Corporal
Unit name17th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A71 Nestor on 9 April 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll70
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work at Mont St. Quentin on 31 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 24 January 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the attack on MONT ST. QUENTIN, near PERONNE, on 31st August 1918, this N.C.O. displayed great bravery and initiative whilst leading his men in the attack on the village. He and his men happened to find themselves in an isolated position on the flank of the objective where an enemy machine gun poured heavy fire into his immediate front. he did not hesitate, but rushed on ahead of his men, killed the gunner and took the remainder of the crew prisoners. This N.C.O.'s. coolness and courageous act was a splendid effort.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

Address on first elistment papers given as Boulia Post Office, Boulia, North Queensland.

War service: enlisted in the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force, 17 December 1914; served in Rabaul. Returned and enlisted in the AIF, 3 January 1916.

War service (AIF): Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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