James Rupert LOWE

Regimental number16364
Place of birthCarlton Victoria
ReligionBaptist
OccupationCivil servant
AddressAscot Vale, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs. E. Lowe, 10 Ayr Street, Ascot Vale, Victoria
Enlistment date6 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentSapper
Unit nameDivisional Signal Company 2, Reinforcement 18
AWM Embarkation Roll number22/12/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 16 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSapper
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Divisional Signal Company
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 2 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 22 August 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For courage and devotion to duty. On the 26th April, 1918, this man, with another, was detailed to lay a line forward from Brigade Headquarters to the 59th Battalion at VILLERS BRETONNEUX. Whilst he was engaged upon this work the enemy placed a heavy barrage in the valley in the rear of the town. He displayed great courage in persevering with his task and reached the Battalion through the barrage. The heavy shelling which was taking place made it impossible to maintain this line. He then salved a quantity of cable which enabled him to lay a line along a differing route and establish necessary communication. This line held throughout the operations. It was entirely due to his courage, devotion to duty, and the example which he set, that this was accomplished.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 1
Date: 2 January 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal