Patrick Leo NIHILL

Regimental number631
Place of birthElmore Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationFarmer
AddressCreek View, Runnymede, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, J Nihill, Creek View, Runnymede, Victoria
Enlistment date14 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name38th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/55/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A54 Runic on 20 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll38th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 21 December 1918
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two other men he attacked a party of about thirty of the enemy, and forced them to surrender. His determination and gallantry have at all times been most conspicuous.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Military Medal

'At ARMENTIERES on the night 26th/27th February, 1917, on the occasion of a raid by a Composite Battalion of his Brigade on the enemy trenches, he acted as No. 1 in the leading Lewis gun team of his Company, and displayed great dash and coolness throughout the raid. He covered the entry of his Company into the enemy's trenches with his gun, and when he found that his gun could not be fired successfully from the prone position on to the enemy's parapet, he stood up and fired his gun from his shoulder until the gun was too hot to hold. He afterwards successfully covered the retirement of his Company from the enemy's trenches. Lance Corporal NIHILL had previously shown conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. (Strength of raiding party - 21 Officers - 804 other ranks)'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133
Date: 21 August 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal