The AIF Project

Percy Herbert MOTBEY

Regimental number3595
Place of birthCooma New South Wales
Other NamesMOTBEY, Percey Herbert
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressCobargo, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, John Charles Motbey, 'Wandella', Cobargo, New South Wales
Enlistment date9 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name30th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/47/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A70 Ballarat on 5 August 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal RollAustralian Graves Registration
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operation near VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on 7th and 8th August 1918. During the attack on the final objective these two men [MOTBEY and 4127 G. BREDHAUER] saw an enemy machine gun in action about 100 yards away. This gun was causing trouble to the troops on the left flank. These two men crawled through the crops until within 30 yards of the gun, which was still firing. They fired on the crew, killing and wounding three. They then rushed the gun and killed the man firing, and took the remaining two prisoner. The gun was firing right up to the finish and it was the courage and dash shown by these two soldiers that enabled the gun to be put out of action so promptly, thereby saving many casualties on the flank.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: Pte Edward James MOTBEY, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, returned to Australia, 23 July 1919.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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