The AIF Project

Recommendation date: 3 October 1918

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer during an attack against the Hindenburg Line North of BELLICOURT on 30th September 1918 and 1st October 1918. The area between the attacking troops and the aid post was continually swept with shells and Machine Gun fire, and, when the stretcher bearer N.C.O. was wounded early in the operations, Private OLIVE took charge and personally directed the clearance of casualties, moving about continuously under very heavy fire. In spite of the dangerous surroundings he completed all dressings with the greatest care and conducted moving 'carries' to the Aid Post. Seeing an American comrade fall dangerously wounded in front of our positions, this brave stretcher bearer went out under a hail of bullets and after dressing the unfortunate Ally, carried him back to our lines. He went out a second time, and returned with another wounded man. Both were dangerously wounded and but for Olive's prompt and gallant action would have died from loss of blood. On 1st October he was engaged in dressing wounded when he was wounded himself.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919