The AIF Project

'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. In the attack east of VILLERS BRETONNEUX near AMIENS on the 8th August, Sapper PALMER was with a section accompanying the assaulting Battalion. On the final objective being reached East of HARBONNIERES, a long range 11 1/2 inch gun on railway mounting was seen on a siding 200 yards beyond front line. A locomotive with several ammunition wagons and coaches which were on fire was also on the siding. Without hesitation this man volunteered and went forward with his Section Officer, and in spite of enemy machine and rifle fire, assisted to raise steam on the locomotive, shunt the burning coaches onto another siding, couple up with gun and ammunition wagons and bring these back safely into our own lines. His great courage and determination in the face of the enemy resulted in the capture of an extremely valuable gun and locomotive, and is worthy of the very highest recognition.''For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. In the attack east of VILLERS BRETONNEUX near AMIENS on the 8th August, Sapper STRAHAN was with a section accompanying the assaulting Battalion. On the final objective being reached East of HARBONNIERES, a long range 11 1/2 inch gun on railway mounting was seen on a siding 200 yards beyond front line. A locomotive with several ammunition wagons and coaches which were on fire was also on the siding. Without hesitation this man volunteered and went forward with his Section Officer, and in spite of enemy machine and rifle fire, assisted to raise steam on the locomotive, shunt the burning coaches onto another siding, couple up with gun and ammunition wagons and bring these back safely into our own lines. His great courage and determination in the face of the enemy resulted in the capture of an extremely valuable gun and locomotive, and is worthy of the very highest recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919