The AIF Project

War service (AIF): Egypt, Gallipoli

Proceeded from Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 9 May 1915. Wounded in action, 24 July 1915 (shrapnel, back); admitted to Floriana Hospital, Malta, 28 July 1915. Embarked for England on board HS 'Demosthenese', 28 August 1915; admitted to King George Hospital, Stamford St, London, 9 September 1915.

Discharged from the AIF in England, 3 December 1915. Granted a commission in the Imperial Army, 3 December 1915, Royal Field Artillery, 6.B. Reserve Brigade, Edinburgh Scotland; posted to No. 4 Special Company, Royal Engineers.

Subsequently served on the Western Front in the British Chemical Warfare Service, January 1916-August 1919. Awarded the Military Cross, August 1916; wounded in action, August 1916, Pozieres, during the First Battle of the Somme. Invalided to Military Hospital, London, (4 gun shot wounds, right and left chest, right and left thighs. Discharged from hospital, December 1916; rejoined unit in France

Selected by Major General C.H. Foulkes to advise and instruct the American Chemical Warfare Service, May 1918. Awarded the (US) Distinguished Service Cross on the battlefield at Chateau-Thierry for valour, by the GOC, First American Army Corps, and subsequently awarded the (US) Distinguished Service Medal for liaison work at the American Chemical Warfare Service Headquarters. General Pershing, C-in-C, US Army, wrote, 6 April 1919: 'The President has directed me to confer upon you the Distinguished Service Medal, in the name of the Government of the United States. As Instructor with the First Gas Regiment, you worked unceasingly in developing aggressive forms of attack. You were tireless in your devotion to duty, showing particularly valuable ability in personally supervising the liaison and conduct of gas operations in the Argonne-Meuse drive. In the face of the enemy, your conduct was an inspiration to those whose work you directed.'

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Norman' from London, 5 July 1919.