The AIF Project

John SCHMIDT

Regimental number6142
Place of birthHorsham Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressQuantong via Horsham, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation26
Next of kinFather, W Schmidt, Quantong via Horsham, Victoria
Enlistment date2 May 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll25 March 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Battalion, 19th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/25/5
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 July 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll8th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 12 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallant and distinguished service in front of PETIT SEC BOIS near STRAZEELE onthe night of 13th April, 1918, Lance Corporal SCHMIDT was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section in an isolated post guarding a road through No Man's Land when he saw a party of the enemy about 40 strong approaching. With great coolness and presence of mind he allowed them to approach to within 10 yards of his gun post when he opened fire, killing 1 officer and 20 other ranks, the remainder retiring in disorder, leaving 6 machine guns, ammunition and tripods in our hands. He immediately put the captured machine guns into action against the enemy. The presence of mind and great coolnes displayed by him enabled us to inflict numerous casualties upon the enemy and also gained valuable identification.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 1
Date: 2 January 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death31 August 1961
Place of burialBoxhill Cemetery

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