Laurence Bedford ELWELL

Place of birthAlbrighton England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationMedical practitioner
AddressStanthorpe, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation31
Next of kinWife, Mrs C A Elwell, c/o Mrs Christian, South West Rocks, Macleay River, New South Wales
Enlistment date20 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentCaptain
Unit nameNo 1 Australian General Hospital
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board A62 Wandilla on 25 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollMajor
Unit from Nominal RollAustralian Army Medical Corps
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Recommendation date: 12 June 1917

Companion of the Distinguised Service Order


Recommendation date: 9 July 1918

Mention in Despatches


Recommendation date: 16 September 1918

Officer of the Order of the British Empire


Recommendation date: 21 January 1919

FateReturned to Australia 14 February 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally organized, with great ability and entire disregard of his own safety, the evacuation of wounded along a route which was under direct enemy observation and subjected to heavy rifle and machine gun fire. On another occasion he twice visited an aid post under intense hostile barrage, to assist the officer in charge, displaying, as on all other occasions, the utmost fearlesness and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

Other detailsMedals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal