John Henry NORCOTT

Regimental number5890
Place of birthCampbell Town Tasmania
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationMiner
AddressKidston, Queensland
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation44
Next of kinSister, Miss Lily Norcott, Campbell Town, Tasmania
Enlistment date14 June 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name25th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/42/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A36 Boonah on 21 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll26th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'During the attack on the Beaurevoir Line, east of Peronne on 3 October, 1918, all the non-commissioned officers of the platoon to which he belonged became casualties. He took command of the platoon and led them with great courage and skill. Encountering an enemy strong post, he took his Lewis gun forward to within 30 yards of the enemy, firing on the enemy guns. He put two machine guns out of action, killing most of the crews, and covering the advance of the platoon until the post was rushed. He then led the platoon on to the objective.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 20
Date: 19 February 1920

Military Medal

'During the attack near MONT ST. QUENTIN North East of PERONNE, on 2nd September 1918, the company to which this man belonged was temporarily held up by terrific machine gun fire. Private NORCOTT seeing this, rushed forward of his Company with a Lewis Gun to the flank of the enemy strong point, and opened fire on the post. He maintained fire on the enemy post, notwithstanding that he was heavily fired at all the time, thus enabling his Company to advance and capture the post.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

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