The AIF Project

Alexander Eric MATTSON

Regimental number1384
Place of birthWelshpool Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationCarpenter
AddressMentone, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, Mr Mattson, Menton, Victoria
Enlistment date19 September 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 22 December 1914
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll14th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Also recommended for the Military Medal, 24 May 1918.
Recommendation date: 18 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 23 October 1918
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS BRETONNEUX on 4th May, 1918. During the afternoon of 4th May, 1917, the enemy put down an intense barrage of all calibres o n the area in which the Battalion cookers were placed. These two soldiers [MATTSON and 62 B. HARDNER] at once unyoked their teams from their water carts, which were some little distance away, and proceeded to the spot. The hitching up was done under the greatest difficulty, and during the operation three wheels of one cooker and the under carriage of the other were damaged by the shells. Owing to the utter disregard for danger and the cool patient management of restive horses by these drivers, the vehicles were ultimately pulled out to a place of safety, and the evening meal for their comrades in the trenches ensured.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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