Regimental number | 6699 |
Place of birth | Coonabarabran New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Coonabarabran, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 20 |
Next of kin | Father, Frederick George Failes, Coonabarabran, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Sapper |
Unit name | 7th Field Company Engineers, Reinforcement 4 |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 14/26/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A67 Orsova on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sapper |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 2nd DS Company |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Medals |
Military Medal 'During the operations east of the HINDENBURG Line in the vicinity of BELLEICOURT extending over the period 1st to 5th October, 1918, this man performed the duties of motor cyclist despatch rider. As such, riding under most trying conditions he displayed great coolness, devotion to duty, and resource in the management of his machine. In particular on the night of.................when entrusted with the delivery of special "urgent operation" despatches for Infantry Brigades, he set out in the dark on the "Red Road" which was packed with heavy transport, and slippery as result of rain. Upon approaching BELICOURT the road was subject to heavy shell fire, he was forced to abandon his machine, and walking across country through the defences of the HINDENBURG system although almost exhausted succeeded in delivering his despatches and returned to Divisional Headquarters at dawn. His great physical effort, courage, and devotion to duty were admirable.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115 Date: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |