The AIF Project

Norman Sydney CAINS

Date of birth12 August 1893
Place of birthWaverley, New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDraftsman
AddressWaverley, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Height5' 11"
Weight130 lbs
Next of kinFather, William Charles Cains, 183 Old South Head Road, Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales
Previous military serviceServed for 6 years in the 25th (City of Sydney) Infantry, Citizen Military Forces.
Enlistment date24 July 1915
Place of enlistmentLiverpool, New South Wales
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name34th Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/51/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 2 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll34th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: 34th Battalion
Promotion date: 20 January 1916

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918).

FateReturned to Australia 12 June 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company successfully to his objective under heavy fire, and skilfully consolidated his position. When the enemy counter-attacked, he drove them back, showing fine leadership and courage.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty west of Bray on 22nd August 1918. He commanded a company on the left flank during a withdrawal of the line, protecting that flank which was in the air, and maintaining liaison with the next unit. His courae, determination, and ability were a fine example to the men, and contributed to the defeat of the counter attack.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Discharge date25 September 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Themistocles', 12 June 1919; appointment terminated (discharged), 25 September 1919.

Medals: Military Cross, Bar to Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II: Service No NX112693
SourcesNAA: B883, CAINS Norman Sydney

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