The AIF Project

George Smith TELFORD

Regimental number2442
Place of birthMount Gambier South Australia
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationFarmer
AddressMount Gambier, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, George Telford, Glenburnie, Mount Gambier, South Australia
Enlistment date9 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 4
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/17/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A55 Itria on 14 August 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll2442A
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Pioneer Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Near BELLICOURT on 29th September 1918 Lance Corporal TELFORD displayed the greatest courage in the handling of his section under the most trying conditions of gas and shell fire. When approaching BELLICOURT, his party came under Machine Gun and rifle fire from enemy posts that were still holding out. He was one of a small party selected to mop up the village. This was extremely difficult and required great courage owing both to the heavy fog and volume of fire. He, however, was of material assistance in the successful accomplishment of this task. Later, when his Company were again held up, he went forward to reconnoitre, and showed great skill in bringing enfilade fire to bear on enemy posts, causing them to disperse, and enabling our work to proceed. He dispersed crews of Field Guns in this manner. This N.C.O. rendered the most valuable services throughout the whole day, and displayed the greatest disregard of danger.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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