The AIF Project

Aubrey Sidney COTTON

Place of birthGlen Innes New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
AddressCoogee, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation34
Next of kinBrother, Lionel Frederick B Cotton, 'Mereton', Carr Street, Coogee, New South Wales
Enlistment date16 November 1915
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name56th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/73/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 30 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll56th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Recommendation date: 2 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 23 June 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'During the attack on Peronne on 1st September 1918, he pushed forward through an intense barrage, and established a report centre, and quickly got in touch with all companies. In spite of having twice to move his headquarters owing to heavy shelling, he carried on his duties with great steadfastness, and was finally wounded and badly gassed when his headquarters dug out was blown in by a shell; but he remained until the others were safely out. His coolness and courage under very heavy trying circumstances set a fine example to all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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