| Regimental number | 5037 |
| Place of birth | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| True Name | POSTANCE, George Frederick |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Address | 242 Victoria Street, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 23 |
| Height | 5' 7.25" |
| Weight | 127 lbs |
| Next of kin | Sister, Mrs F Litchfield, Calga Park, Culargambone, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 5th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/22/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 50th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Bar to Military Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of several observation posts. he lead his men forward with the object of dispersing snipers who were causing great annoyance prior to the advance through POLYGON WOOD on 27th September 1917. Later when the objective was gained he made numerous journeys in daylight across open and heavily shelled country to Battalion Headquarters with important messages without any regard to his personal safety. He has at all times set a fine example to his men and showed conspicuous bravery and coolness. By his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty he deserves special recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: Bar to Military Medal 'During operations on 8th and 9th August 1918 this N.C.O. showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Prior to attack this N.C.O. greatly assisted in laying of Tapes in Lie position and also assisted in directing Companies to their correct positions. During enemy barrage prior to zero hour this N.C.O. volunteered to take a very important message to 58th Battalion Headquarters which necessitated him going through enemy barrage. Later when our Battalion moved forward he assisted platoons and various other detail units in keeping direction which was very hard owing to heavy fog. On arriving at RED line he went forward and reconnoitred BLUE line although under enemy machine gun fire he made a thorough reconnaissance and brought back valuable information. During morning of 9th. he again rendered valuable services in getting correct range of various enemy positions by means of Range finder. Although under direct heavy enemy machine gun and shell fire, after the 1st Division had passed through our lines, this N.C.O. again rendered great assistance to Stretcher Bearers who were searching ground for wounded. Throughout this N.C.O. showed wonderful initiative and coolness, setting a splendid example to men under his command.'
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| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
Enlisted, 28 May 1915, under true name, George Frederick POSTANCE, Service Number 2434 (previous experience, Port Melbourne Miniature Rifle Range); listed as Absent Without Leave, and designated Deserter (date not recorded). Re-enlisted, 11 February 1916, as George Frederick ARMSTRONG. War service: Egypt, Western Front Embarked Melbourne, 1 April 1916; disembarked Suez, 11 May 1916. Reallotted to to 15th Training Bn as reinforcements to 57th Bn, Tel el Kebir, 24 May 1916. Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 21 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 30 June 1916. Taken on strength, 60th Bn, in the field, 22 July 1916. Admitted to 14th Casualty Clearing Station, 19 November 1916 (rheumatism); discharged to duty, 25 November 1916. Promoted Temporary Corporal, 5 December 1916. Promoted Corporal, 16 January 1917. Promoted Sergeant, 11 February 1917. On leave to United Kingdom, 12 July 1917, 12 July 1917; rejoined Bn from leave, 24 July 1917. Awarded Military Medal. Marched out to Australian Corps School, 14 January 1918; rejoined Bn from School, 23 February 1918. On leave to United Kingdom, 8 September 1918. Awarded Bar to Military Medal. Transferred to 59th Bn, 25 September 1918. Rejoined Bn from leave, 4 November 1918. Marched out for return to Australia, 17 April 1919; disembarked Southampton, and marched in to No 3 Group, Weymouth, 24 April 1919. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Port Lyttleton', 10 June 1919; disembarked Melbourne, 5 August 1919; discharged (termination of period of enlistment), Melbourne, 19 September 1919. Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, ARMSTRONG George Frederick
NAA B2455 file 8016821 |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
