The AIF Project

Victor Bernard PORTMAN

Regimental number247
Date of birth--/08/1888
Place of birthSydney New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationJournalist and accountant
AddressWadestown, Wellington, New Zealand
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation27
Next of kinFather, Bernard Portman, Wadestown, Wellington, New Zealand
Enlistment date22 March 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name20th Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/37/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 25 June 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll20th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF20
Promotion date: 29 July 1916

Lieutenant


Unit: INF20
Promotion date: 29 October 1916

Captain


Unit: INF20
Promotion date: 17 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company with great success and took his objective. Though wounded, he then changed his position for a less exposed one, which he dug in. All his officers were wounded. He showed fine courage and good leadeship.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Bar to Military Cross

'During the attack on 11th August 1918, near Rainecourt, east of Amiens, a gap appeared on the left flank. He at once threw his company in to forn a defensive flank, which he maintained under heavy fire all day. He single handed rushed an enemy post, killing one of the enemy and capturing sixteen others and two machine guns. He showed splendid courage and initiative.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Other detailsMedals: Military Cross, Bar to Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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