The AIF Project

Albion BROOM

Regimental number3764
ReligionMethodist
OccupationGrazier
AddressKotupna, Victoria
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinWife, Mrs Edith Beulah Irene Broom, Narioka, Victoria
Enlistment date15 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll1 May 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name29th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/46/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on 19 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll29th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 19 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'At BEAUMETZ from night of 20th/21st March to night 23rd-24th March, 1917, Lance Corporal BROOM displayed great daring and initiative. This N.C.O. was repeatedly sent out in charge of reconnoitring patrols. he was very energetic and had very little rest. on the morning 23rd March, the enemy counter attacked in strength against BEAUMETZ, and a few of his troops succeeded in penetrating our line temporarily. At this time Lance Corporal BROOM was in charge of a Bombing Post, which was not attacked, but noticing that a party under 2nd Lieutenant JACKSON was being hard pressed, he handed over his post, and pushed single handed to their assistance. He attacked and scattered a party of the enemy, and continued to follow them until ordered to retire. During the performance of this act, he was struck by a bullet on the bridge of the nose, but bound the wound up with a field dressing and did not report the occurrence. Noticing that he was wounded, his Company Commander sent him to the Regimental Aid Post, where he pleaded with the R.M.O. to be allowed to return to the front line in case his comrades were again attacked, and as his wound was not serious the R.M.O. agreed to allow him to return to the line until evening. He carried out his duties energetically until sent back to the Regimental Aid Post by his Company Commander the same evening.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174
Date: 11 October 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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