The AIF Project

Oswald Hector LIGHTBODY

Regimental numberR2514
Date of birth23 June 1887
Place of birthPortland, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationSchool teacher
AddressKiewa, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27.2
Height5' 8.5"
Weight150 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs A Lightbody, Bridgewater near Portland, Victoria
Enlistment date29 August 1914
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll28 August 1914
Place of enlistmentSydney, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit nameField Artillery Brigade 11, Reinforcement 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/38/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda on 5 June 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll2514
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 12 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of 31st October/1st November 1917 during a very heavy Gas and H.E. bombardment of ANZAC RIDGE N.E. of WESTHOEK a Dugout at the Battery position was hit by a Gas shell. These N.C.O.s at once - regardless of the falling shells dug out three men who had been buried, two of whom were dead. The third they put on a stretcher and carried him through the heavy barrage to an Aid Post, but on arrival he was found to be dead. These N.C.O.s showed great personal courage and set a splendid example in their heroic attempt to save these men's lives - regardless of their own safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Discharge date1 September 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Port Napier', 12 May 1919; disembarked Sydney, 2 July 1919; discharged (medically unfit), Melbourne, 1 September 1919.

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsSee 2514 Oswald Hector LIGHTBODY for first period of service.Marital status entered as Single; in fact he was a widower: married 1912, wife died 1913.
SourcesNAA: B2455, LIGHTBODY Oswald Hector

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