The AIF Project

Oliver Leonard SIMS

Regimental number6900
Place of birthKensington South Australia
ReligionMethodist
OccupationEngine cleaner
AddressWillis Street, Norwood, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinMother, Mrs Jessie Sims, Willis Street, Norwood, South Australia
Enlistment date9 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name8th Infantry Brigade, 8th Field Ambulance Sections B and C
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 10 November 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll15th Field Ambulance
FateReturned to Australia 6 July 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Near GLENCORSE WOOD, East of Hooge, on the night 20/9/17, this private showed great courage and determination. After several unsuccessful attempts had been made to find the Left Regimental Aid Post in GLENCORSE WOOD, which had been newly established, Private SIMS led out his squad and by dint of sheer courage and determination, despite heavy enemy shell fire and the darkness of the night, succeeded in locating the R.A.P. He and his squad brought back a wounded man to the RELAY POST and then guided up fresh bearers. Prior to this action, this private and his squad had done much heavy carrying. His action won the confidence and admiration of all his comrades.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Bar to Military Medal

'This N.C.O. on the 29th and 30th September, 1918 at BELLICOURT carried continuously under Machine Gun and heavy Shell fire for 36 hours. At intervals during the night also he had to carry through Gas. This N.C.O. showed a fine example to his Squad, and through his courage and endurance many wounded, both Australian and American were safely evacuated to the Wagon Loading Post.'

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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