Charles Joseph Leslie ROSS

Regimental number2970
Place of birthBooligal New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationLabourer
AddressWest Hay, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinMother, Mrs Sarah Ross, Cadell Street, West Hay, New South Wales
Enlistment date18 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name56th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/73/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 25 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll20th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 4 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the attack on the BEAUREVOIR Line, north of ST. QUENTIN, on 3rd October, 1918, this N.C.O., with a party of 8 men and 2 Lewis guns, was temporarily cut off and isolated from the remainder of the Battalion. Although continually under heavy machine gun and minenwerfer fire from an enemy post, which caused them casualties the party under the direction of Lance Corporal ROSS held out for a considerable time, inflicting many casualties on the enemy. When his position was relieved by the advance of troops on the flank Lance Corporal ROSS led his men, who now numbered 4, and rushed the enemy position, capturing the post and, in conjunction with a party of 8 men who had moved forward on the flank, captured 39 prisoners, one trench mortar and two machine guns. The gallant leadership and remarkable courage of this N.C.O. kept his men in the highest spirits and inspired them with every confidence.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal