The AIF Project

Robert BURTON

Regimental number4451
Place of birthGreendale, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBlacksmith
AddressRailway Station, Melton, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, Mr W Burton, Railway Station, Melton, Victoria
Enlistment date27 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name5th Battalion, 14th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 28 January 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll46th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 25 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 8 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'Is recommended for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations East of PERONNE on the 18th September 1918. Sergeant Burton was in command of a platoon during the advance and by his leadership and initiative he forced his way over ground under terrific machine gun fire, and after very heavy fighting succeeded in reaching Sunken Road where he dug in. By his brilliant work a very valuable position was gained which greatly assisted an operation carried out by the battalion later in the day.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 4452 Corporal William BURTON, 4th Machine Gun Bn, returned to Australia, 26 July 1919.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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