| Regimental number | 706 |
| Place of birth | St Kilda, Victoria |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Commercial traveller |
| Address | 49 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 27 |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs M E Downing, 128 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | Machine Gun Company 10, Reinforcement 12 |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 24/15/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 21st Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 19th May during the attack at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE . This soldier, athough alone, followed some of the enemy into a cellar, and by means of his great personal daring, succeeded in driving them, at the point of the bayonet, to another entrance, where they were met by his Platoon Sergeant. This Sergeant was thus able to send 1 Officer and 30 other ranks to the rear as Prisoners. Pte. Downing then used his Lewis Gun very successfully on the enemy between the Sunken Road, known as the CATERPILLAR, and VILLE-SUR-ANCRE, thus accounting for many enemy casualties. His bravery and soldierly devotion to duty, to the utter disregard of self, was exceptional.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 12393 Sergeant William Hooper DOWNING, 10th Depot Unit of Supply, returned to Australia, 1 July 1919. |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
