The AIF Project

Edward O'BRIEN

Regimental number1637
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationDriver
Address38 Bulamana Road, Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation38
Next of kinWife, Mrs M O'Brien, 448 Jones Street, Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales
Enlistment date26 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameLight Trench Mortar Battery, Reinforcement 4
AWM Embarkation Roll number13/130/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A24 Benalla on 9 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Work near Hargicourt 18-21 September 1918'.
Recommendation date: 2 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 31 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'In the operations near HARGICOURT from 18th to 21st September, 1918, Private O'BRIEN showed great courage and devotion to duty. On 18th September, 1918, as a Lewis Gunner he performed most valuable work getting well forward with his gun and providing covering fire for the remainder of the platoon, while enemy points of resistance were being attacked, during period of exploitation after barrage has ceased. On 21st September, 1918, he again performed most valuable work with his gun, inflicting many casualties on the enemy who could be seen moving about after the objective had been captured and showed good choice of position for his gun. Throughout he set a fine example of courage and initiative, and greatly assisted in the taking and consolidation of the objectives assigned to his platoon.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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