The AIF Project

Duncan McMASTER

Regimental number1881
Date of birth--/--/1890
Place of birthJeparit, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationLabourer
AddressGoyura, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Next of kinFather, Allan McMaster,Goyura, Victoria
Enlistment date28 April 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll28 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name39th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/56/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Orontes on 16 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll39th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 13 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 30 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty during action at SUZANNE on 26th August, 1918. During the capture of SUZANNE and MURRAY WOOD when the 37th Battalion was held up by machine gun posts in and beyond MURRAY WOOD, a voluntary Lewis gun team was called for to go and assist in clearing the enemy strong posts. [2366 G.N.] SHARPIN and McMASTER were the first two men to volunteer and with one other man got their gun into position, doing wonderful work in wounding several of the enemy garrison and distracting their attention from a flank party which rushed the post and successfully cleared the way for the advance of the left Battalion. Later, SHARPIN and McMASTER did excellent work with their gun killing and wounding many of the enemy as they retired in the direction of VAUX WOOD. Throughout the operation, SHARPIN an McMASTER showed wonderful coolness and devotion to duty and their personal courage was most inspiring to all.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Family/military connectionsBrothers: Private Ewen McMaster, Regimental No. 1886, 38th Battalion, returned to Australia 30 April 1919; Private alexander McMaster, Regimental No. 7141, 38th Battalion, returned to Australia 12 May 1919; Private Alan McMaster, Regimental No. 1885, 38th Battalion, killed in action 13 July 1917; Private Dugald McMaster, Regimental No. 1880, 39th Battalion, returned to Australia 30 January 1918
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death--/--/1960
Place of burialHillston, New South Wales

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