The AIF Project

'For conspicuous gallantry at Les Boeufs when in charge of a Stokes Mortar.'
Recommendation date: 20 January 1917

'For distinguished service and gallantry in action near Bullecourt, when he continued to serve his mortar throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn.'
Recommendation date: 12 May 1917

Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

'The above men [PARSONS, 844 R.C. LAING, 1981 G. NELSON, 3798 P.J. COUCH, 4470 D. McQUEEN, 4509 R.G. McSHANE, 1797 W.R. FOWLER] distinguished themselves in action in the captured trenches near BULLECOURT on 3rd May 1917, by the gallantry and determination with which they continued to serve their mortars throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn on the 5th. On no occasion was a request for fire not complied with, though the battery suffered severe losses (over half its numbers). No chance of observing fire or getting targets was thrown away and the casualties the Battery inflicted on the enemy were certainly very heavy. On one occasion a hostile party was barraged first in front, then in rear, and when brought to halt blown out without a survivor. In this the above N.C.O.s and men played a prominent part.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917