The AIF Project

Alfred Henry AYRE

Regimental number802
Place of birthBrisbane, Queensland
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationDrover
AddressToowoomba, Queensland
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation22
Height5' 6"
Weight132 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs Agnes Ayre, c/o Mrs W H Ayre, Edward Street, Dutton Park, South Brisbane, Queensland
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date19 November 1915
Place of enlistmentToowoomba, Queensland
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name41st Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/58/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 18 May 1916
Regimental number from Nominal Roll802A
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll31st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 20 October 1917

Bar to Military Medal


Work near Vauvillers on 9 August 1918.
Recommendation date: 21 August 1918

FateReturned to Australia 22 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the operations at VAUVILLERS, East of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on 9th August 1918 this man was acting as Stretcher-Bearer with 31st Battalion. During the advance, the 29th Battalion on the right, came under a heavy artillery and Machine Gun Barrage, and suffered very heavy casualties. The position was open without cover of any kind, and the wounded were in danger of being hit by fire. The bearers on the spot had more work than they could cope with and Private AYRE realising the danger of the already wounded men and in spite of heavy enemy Machine Gun and artillery fire went to their assistance. He organised carrying parties time after time and with great courage assisted them until the field had been cleared of wounded. After returning from his tenth trip it became known that Lieutenant FARMER was lying seriously wounded some distance in front. Two men had already been wounded in trying to bring him in but in spite of this Private AYRE went through the barrage and succeeded in getting the wounded Officer back to the Aid Post. This soldier undoubtedly saved the lives of many of our men and his untiring devotion to duty is worthy of recognition.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS CARBONNEL on 29th August, 1918. Private AYRE went forward into the open under intense machine gun and artillery fire to assist a wounded comrade. Several others had previously made the attempt but failed. He reached the wounded man, dressed his wounds and brought him back to a place of safety. Enemy fire was very heavy the whole time and the artillery were firing over open sights. The following day he again went out to assist wounded comrades and made two trips across the SOMME, bringing back wounded in the face of concentrated artillery and machine gun fire. He exhibited great courage and coolness throughout the whole of the operations, and showed an utter disregard for his personal safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette'
Date: 23 July 1919

2nd Bar to Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS CARBONNEL on 29th August, 1918. Private AYRE went forward into the open under intense machine gun and artillery fire to assist a wounded comrade. Several others had previously made the attempt but failed. He reached the wounded man, dressed his wounds and brought him back to place of safety. Enemy fire was very heavy the whole time and the artillery were firing over open sights. The following day he again went out to assist wounded comrades and made two trips across the SOMME bringing back wounded in ther face of concentrated artillery and machine gun fire. He exhibited great courage and coolness throughout the whole of the operations, and showed an utter disregard for his personal safety.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette'
Date: 23 July 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & 2 Bars, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, AYRE Alfred Henry

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