The AIF Project

George Robert MILTHORPE

Regimental number6418
Place of birthHillston New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressWalbundrie via Albury, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinFather, C W T Milthorpe, Ferndale, Walbundrie via Albury, New South Wales
Enlistment date20 June 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name17th Battalion, 18th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/34/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 11 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll17th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 9th October, 1917, whilst acting as a runner he consistently showed himself brave and resourceful during the advance from the jumping off tape. He gave great aid to the Company Commander in directing the advance and by his calm and cheerful manner greatly inspired the men around him. Later in the day he took several important messages safely back to Battalion Headquarters, passing each time right through the extremely heavy enemy barrage which was then falling on ZONNEBEKE RIDGE. This was done without loss of time and all messages were delivered correctly. During the whole period that the Battalion was holding the line he continued running right forward, though all the time exposed to heavy enemy machine gun and sniping fire and each time passing through the barrage. When the Battalion was relieved he volunteered as a guide for the incoming Battalion and it was largely due to his efforts that the relief was completed quickly and without casualties.' Second description reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while running messages from Company Headquarters through barrages and under the fire of some very accurate snipers during the attack on 20th September 1917 near WESTHOEK.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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