Regimental number | 1881 |
Date of birth | |
Place of birth | Jeparit, Victoria |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Goyura, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Father, Allan McMaster,Goyura, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 39th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/56/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board RMS Orontes on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 39th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
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: |
Family/military connections | Brothers: 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 | |
Place of burial | Hillston, New South Wales |