The AIF Project

Henry Lawrence PLEDGE

Regimental number3217
Place of birthKent England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationStation hand
AddressMoonee Ponds, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation29
Next of kinMother, Mrs Ellen Pledge, 6 Taylor Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria
Enlistment date25 October 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll27 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name57th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/74/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 16 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll58th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal (altered from Distinguished Conduct Medal)


Recommendation date: 4 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 5 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operation North East of BELLICOURT on 29th September/1st October 1918. At about 4.30 p.m. on 29th September 1918 Corporal PLEDGE volunteered to assist in bringing in the wounded. he left the front line trench and went out under intense Machine Gun fire to being in some wounded men who were lying out in front. The fire was too heavy and he had to return, as he was drawing the fire on the wounded men. Before doing so however he made them comfortable, and told them he would come back at dusk. At dusk, he again went out under heavy fire and brought in the wounded men. He showed great unselfishness and utter disregard of personal risk.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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