The AIF Project

George Thomas ROBERTS

Regimental number69
Place of birthBuckrabanyule Victoria
ReligionProtestant
OccupationFisherman
AddressCharlton, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, George Roberts, Charlton, Victoria
Enlistment date13 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name29th Battalion, Transport Section
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. These two N.C.O.s [ROBERTS and 8791 W.H. SEDGLEY] were on duty with a convoy of 80 mules, under the Command of Lieutenant B.D. RUSH, carrying rations and water to the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade in the front lines on 19th October, 1917. On arriving near WESTHOEK, the convoy was stopped by a block on the road caused by enemy shell fire, the road being totally destroyed in several places. the convoy was taken around over bad ground and proceeded on its journey; it was twice stopped by Traffic Control Officers who considered it impossible to get through. Several other Officers encountered, were also of the same opinion and advised that the trip should be abandoned. At two points the column was thrown into confusion and was retiring, when these two N.C.O.s rallied their men, and eventually by their fine example and courage under most trying and dangerous circumstances, succeeded in reforming the column and getting it forward and delivering the whole of the rations and water. this was the only column that got through.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Date of death22 November 1933

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