The AIF Project

Harold Dunstan George FERRES

ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
AddressToora, South Gippsland, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation30
Next of kinFather, R Ferres, Emerald, Victoria
Enlistment date9 September 1915
Rank on enlistment2nd Lieutenant
Unit name5th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/22/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 10 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant-Colonel
Unit from Nominal Roll58th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 29890 (2 January 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 (29 June 1917).
Recommendation date: 12 October 1916

Military Cross


Recommendation date: 19 March 1918

Bar to Military Cross (Altered from Companion of the Distinguished Service Order)


Recommendation date: 10 April 1918

Companion of the Distinguished Service Order


Recommendation date: 7 September 1918

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31448 (11 July 1919); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 124 (30 October 1919).
Recommendation date: "Unspecified"

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry in taking the eastern side of Peronne on 2nd September, 1918. He had toadvance to the attack along a narrow causeway swept by enemy fire, and, while personally leading his battalion, was early severely wounded by shell fire. Though sufering much pain from his wound, he re-organized the battalion, which had suffered severe casualties, and launched the attack. The clearing of the enemy form the ramparts and outskirts of Peronne was entirely due to his resolute leadership and courage. A large number of prisoners and fifty machine guns were captured during this action.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67
Date: 3 June 1919

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a raiding party against a secotor of the enemy position, and conducted the operation with such skilll and coolness despite the most disadvantageous climatic conditions, that two lines of trenches were crossed, on which a great amount of damage was inflicted, a dozen of the enemy were killed, and two prisoners captured. He successfully withdrew his party, having suffered but two casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 165
Date: 24 October 1918

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy broke through the front line he was occupying four strong posts with his company. Although heavily bombarded, he organized these posts into a continuous trench line, arranged for replenishment of S.A.A., and put up a determined defence, saving the situation. On another occasion he led a patrol under particularly gallant circumstances, and gained important information.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 185
Date: 27 November 1918

Other detailsMedals: Military Cross and Bar, Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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