The AIF Project

Grafton Roy SMALL

Regimental number7061
Place of birthGrafton New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationTeamster
AddressGrafton, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs M J Small, Pillar Valley, Ulmarra, New South Wales
Enlistment date16 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name9th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/26/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A55 Kyarra on 17 November 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll9th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 5 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At VILLERET on the 18th September, 1918, Private SMALL in company with No. 2125 Corporal W.D. CAMERON and No. 3039 Sergeant B.G.S. MASON, acting as Scouts, from the Line of Expolitation moved forward to the higher ground in front of a knoll which was strongly held by the enemy, without hesitiation and with the greatest dash, they engaged the enemy killing five and wounding ten. The remainder fled in disorder. This action resulted in not only the route of the enemy occupying that post, but assisted the left flank of the 10th Battalion to come up. This party then took up a position in front of the knoll where they prevented several of the enemy with horses and limbers from removing four 4.2 howitzers from the quarry, by killing the horses and inflicting casualties on the Gun Team. Shortly afterwards they were joined by the remainder of the platoon who established a permanent post there. The example, initiative and boldness of these men was a means whereby, the greatest tactical feature of the whole Battalion Front and the enemy and held.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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