Charles Joseph McKENZIE

Regimental number4359
Place of birthMelbourne Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationCivil servant
AddressPerth, Western Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinFather, William McKenzie, 214 Bulwer Street, Perth, Western Australia
Enlistment date24 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name28th Battalion, 11th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/45/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on 31 March 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll28th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 26 January 1919

FateReturned to Australia 11 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'As stretcher bearers, both these men [McKENZIE and 6341 G.M. LUMB] have rendered excellent service during the whole of the operations from 8th August, 1918 onwards. They have never hesitated to sacrifice themselves in order that the wounded might be attended to. During the attack on the BEAUREVOIR Line, east of AMIENS, on 3rd October, 1918, these men rendered most excellent service in carrying in wounded from the most forward positions under very heavy enemy artillery, machine gun and rifle fire. Though almost exhausted early in the attack they continued to carry wounded, and it was only when every casualty had been attended to that their efforts relaxed. At a time when the demand for stretchers were greater than the supply, these men got many wounded in by carrying them on their backs. Their courage, work, and determination at all times, has not only been a brilliant example to all, but was certainly the means of saving the lives of many comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal