The AIF Project

Promotion date: 6 July 1916

Promotion date: 8 May 1917

Recommendation date: 9 March 1917

'East of GUEUDECOURT early in December 1916 Lieutenant Buchan carried out several reconnaissances, both by day and night of the front line system in the neighbourhood of ZENITH, Gusty and SPECTRUM trenches, with a view to obtaining the best route for communication trenches. He taped out the routes for two trenches and personally guided the men and saw the trenches properly under way. The shell fire at this period over the whole of the front line system was severe and the enemy threw frequent barrages on lines through which these trenches had to pass. The work required great courage and determination, especially in view of the fact that there was but little protection. On the night of 23rd/24th February, Lieutenant Buchan also personally reconnoitred and taped the route for a sap to SUNRAY TRENCH, which was shortly to be occupied by us. This enabled the sap to be dug far quicker, as the men were able to proceed direct to their work. Lieutenant BUCHAN has at all times shown himself a gallant and conscientious officer. He displays great coolness under shell fire. He has not been off duty since joining the Battalion in May 1916.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169
Date: 4 October 1917

'On the night 28/29th July 1918 Captain BUCHAN was in charge of his company who were allotted to the tasks of digging two saps from the present front line to a captured German system west of MORLANCOURT, South West of ALBERT. His organisation of the company for the operation was most thorough and he personally led them to and supervised the work throughout the night. He displayed great judgement in moving his Company through very heavy shell fire to their work without a casualty and throughout the operation set a very fine example to his men. Both tasks were successfully completed.'