The AIF Project

Alexander Bertie CALLAGHAN

Regimental number3809
Place of birthMelbourne, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationJoiner
Address228 Moray Street, South Melbourne, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Thomas Callaghan, 228 Moray Street, South Melbourne, Victoria
Enlistment date14 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name22nd Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/39/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 8 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll22nd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 21 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 31 March 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack near BEAUREVOIR, east of PERONNE, on 4th October, 1918. When our advance was held up by an enemy strong post this Lewis gunner rushed out with his gun and emplaced it behind a mound. By pouring successive bursts of fire into the enemy machine gun positions he was successful in silencing their fire and furnishing sufficient covering fire to enable our moppers-up to assault and clean up the position. When this man found ammunition supplies running low he went back under the heaviest fire and collected that off casualties. During the remainder of the day he showed the greatest initiative in engaging enemy movement and caused them considerable losses by his skilful and accurate fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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