The AIF Project

Ernest Albert COREY

Regimental number2143
Date of birth20 December 1891
Place of birthGreen Hills, Cooma, New South Wales
SchoolThubergal Lake Public School
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressCooma, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinMother, Mrs Ellen Corey, Bombala Street, Cooma, New South Wales
Enlistment date13 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name55th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/72/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney on 4 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 May 1917

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 12 October 1917

Second Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 8 September 1918

Third Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 10 October 1918

Other details from Roll of Honour CircularThe only member of the AIF to win 3 Bars to a Military Medal. Commemorated in an outdoor diarama, Cooma War Memorial Garden, New South Wales.
FateReturned to Australia 17 March 1919
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll)Also served in the Second World War in the 2nd Garrison Battalion.
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Photo: Andrew Richardson
Medals

Military Medal

'During the enemy attack on front line facing QUEANT on 15th May 1917, Private Corey, whilst acting as a stretcher bearer, showed great courage and devotion to duty. Although under direct enemy observation, he carried out his duties continuously for 17 hours without rest, and in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. Although an untrained stretcher bearer, he, together with the rest of the bearing party, saved by first aid the lives of seriously wounded men. The commander of the 54th Battalion wrote an appreciative letter for the help given, and specially mentioned the stretcher bearing party for their good work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

2nd Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at PERONNE on 1st and 2nd September 1918. This man, who is a stretcher bearer, dressed and carried wounded of several units throughout the whole operation. Although the enemy artillery and Machine Gun fire was exceptionally heavy this did not debar Private COREY from carrying on. He worked continuously and arduously and was the means of saving the lives of many wounded. He was most unselfish throughout and cheerful at all times and under all circumstances. His conduct was a great example to all his comrades. His careful handling of the wounded and his knowledge of first-aid helped greatly to relieve their sufferings. His was a fine example of courage, coolness and devotion to duty under heavy fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette'
Date: 17 June 1919

3rd Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as HCO in charge of Battalion Stretcher-Bearers during an attack on the Hindenburg Line north of Bellicourt on 30 September 1918. Although the enemy machine guns and shell fire were intense, this gallant N.C.O. directed the operations of the Battalion stretcher bearers with the utmost skill and bravery. Regardless of personal danger, he, on numerous occasions although the enemy were firing upon him and other bearer parties, attended to men and carried them from the utmost positions. His efforts were untiring and he set a splendid example to all ranks until he was severely wounded. It was mainly due to his magnificent work that the wounded were safely removed from the danger zone.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Bar to Military Medal

'This stretcher bearer showed great courage, devotion to duty and untiring energy during the attack on Polygon Wood on the 26th September 1917. The greatest danger did not deter this man from doing his duty when his services were required, and he tended the wounded and carried them to places of safety continuously throughout the engagement, often under very heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Throughout the whole operations he set a fine example of bravery and coolness to all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette'
Date: 23 May 1918

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & 3 Bars, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II.
Date of death25 August 1972
Age at death80
Place of burialWoden Cemetery, ACT
SourcesNAA B884 File 6171532

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