The AIF Project

James McKENZIE

Regimental number504
Date of birth27 January 1893
Place of birthBonnybridge, Scotland
Other NamesMACKENZIE
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationPitman
Addressc/o Mrs Goldie, John Street, Dudley, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, J McKenzie, Hetherdale, Denny, Scotland
Enlistment date29 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name34th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/51/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 2 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll34th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Croix de Guerre


Recommendation date: 10 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 22 July 1919
Medals

Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

'Corporal McKENZIE has been a Lewis Gun Corporal in charge of a section for the past 18 months. During the attack on PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE on 12th October, 1917, this N.C.O. showed conspicuous gallantry and leadership. He not only succeeded in bringing two sections of his own Company to their final objective, but also organised the remaining eight Lewis Guns of the Battalion on their final objective when all other N.C.O.s had become casualties. He was untiring in his efforts to keep the guns in action, and personally assisted in carrying ammunition to the forward position over a distance of 1500yds, over very swampy and shell-torn ground. He set a fine example of courage and cheerfulness to his men which greatly stimulated them during a very trying operation. Corporal McKENZIE also displayed great courage and devotion to duty during the Battle of MESSINES when from an advanced Lewis Gun position he broke up an enemy counter attack by the use of his Lewis Gun,and afterwards when the enemy attempted to counter attack along a communication trench, he organised his section into a bombing party and led them against the enemy with success.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 91
Date: 23 July 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Croix de Guerre, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death4 December 1939
Age at death45.11
Place of burialBeresfield Cemetery, via Newcastle, New South Wales

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