The AIF Project

James LEE

Regimental number3177
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
Address18 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation32
Next of kinWife, Mrs M Lee, 18 Little Albion Street, Surry Hills, New South Wales
Enlistment date26 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name20th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/37/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 20 December 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 9 December 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'These men [Lee and 3706 Charles Stuart Kennedy CAMERON] are recommended for conspicuous bravery while acting as messengers during operations north west of POZIERES from 5th to 11th August, 1916. These men were continually moving to and from Company and Battalion Headquarters under intense H.E. artillery barrage. The telephone lines were being continually broken, and the only method of communication was then by messenger. They showed an utter disregard of their own safety, and an admirable contempt for danger, and it was entirely owing to their self-sacrifice that the operations were so well supported by our own artillery, and that Battalion and Brigade Headquarters were so closely in touch with progress of operations. Our losses in messengers were very heavy. There were several instances of these messengers being blown up by H.E. shells exploding near them, and some of them were rendered semi unconscious and suffered fro shell shock, but after a short rest returned to their dangerous work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917

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