The AIF Project

'Work at Suzanne on 26 August 1918.'
Recommendation date: 13 September 1918

'At SUZANNE on 26th August, 1918, for exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty. The advance of the 37th Battalion on the left of the line the Battalion was holding in front of SUZANNE, was held up by heavy machine gun fire from enemy's strong posts, in and beyond MURRAY WOOD. Word was passed along from 37th Battalion that they could not advance and asked for "A" Company to give covering fire on the Wood. Immediately, the Company Commander with Sergeant LOXTON and another man crawled up to the Wood and cleared it with the bayonet and revolver. After clearing the Wood, it was discovered that the enemy was holding a strong line of trenches, ten yards in advance of the Wood, so word was passed back to "A" Company for a Lewis gun team to come up and assist in driving the enemy from his position. When the Lewis gun section arrived, Sergeant LOXTON placed them on a flank of the strong post to give covering fire, and then with his Officer rushed the post killing or wounding the crew and capturing the machine gun. After this, the 37th Battalion on the left were enabled to advance without further casualties. This prompt action took the enemy absolutely by surprise and was responsible for putting several hundred of the enemy to flight in absolute disorder. The conduct of this N.C.O. showed his utter disregard for personal danger and proved him most exemplary in the eyes of all concerned.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919