The AIF Project

Patrick Joseph COUCH

Regimental number3798
Place of birthTerrick Terrick Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationBlacksmith
Address196 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinMother, Mrs Mary Jane Couch, 196 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford, Victoria
Enlistment date13 December 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name24th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/41/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 8 February 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll6th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


For distinguished service and gallantry in action near Bullecourt, when he continued to serve his mortar throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn.
Recommendation date: 12 May 1917

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'The above men [COUCH, 970 W. PARSONS, 844 R.C. LAING, 1981 G. NELSON, 4470 D. McQUEEN, 4509 R.G. McSHANE, 1797 W.R. FOWLER] distinguished themselves in action in the captured trenches near BULLECOURT on 3rd May 1917, by the gallantry and determination with which they continued to serve their mortars throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn on the 5th. On no occasion was a request for fire not complied with, though the battery suffered severe losses (over half its numbers). No chance of observing fire or getting targets was thrown away and the casualties the Battery inflicted on the enemy were certainly very heavy. On one occasion a hostile party was barraged first in front, then in rear, and when brought to halt blown out without a survivor. In this the above N.C.O.s and men played a prominent part.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Family/military connectionsBrother: 844 Pte Ambrose William COUCH, 38th Bn, returned to Australia, 30 April 1919.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death21 April 1953
Place of burialFawkner Cemetery

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