The AIF Project

Alfred LEY

Regimental number1987
Place of birthFarrells Flat South Australia
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressFarrell's Flat, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinMother, Mrs. Annie Cecelia Ley, Farrell's Flat, South Australia
Enlistment date27 September 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name9th Light Horse Regiment, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number10/14/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 10 February 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll1987A
Rank from Nominal RollGunner
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Field Artillery Brigade
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 5 May 1918

Military Medal


Immediate award
Recommendation date: 6 June 1918

FateReturned to Australia 16 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the afternoon of the 4th instant, the position occupied by the 49th Battery at FOUILLOY was shelled by a burst of fire from 5.9" with air burst and 4.2" guns. One of the first rounds hit a dump and exploded some of the ammunition and set fire to the covering and camouflage. Without hesitation, and under a heavy and accurate fire, these two gunners [LEY and 208 G.W. WILSON] went to the dump and pulled away the burning material and ammunition, stamped out other burning debris, and then got assistance from other men and, with buckets of water, extinguished the fire. Their task was performed at great personal risk, both from the bursting ammunition and the hostile shelling which continued during the whole period, and their promptness and courage succeeded in saving their gun and a large quantity of ammunition. Their devotion to duty and excellent example are deserving of special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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