Regimental number | 802 |
Place of birth | Brisbane, Queensland |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Drover |
Address | Toowoomba, Queensland |
Marital status | Married |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Height | 5' 6" |
Weight | 132 lbs |
Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Agnes Ayre, c/o Mrs W H Ayre, Edward Street, Dutton Park, South Brisbane, Queensland |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Toowoomba, Queensland |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 41st Battalion, D Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/58/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | 802A |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 31st Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Bar to Military Medal Recommendation date: Bar to Military Medal Work near Vauvillers on 9 August 1918. Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
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: 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: 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: |
Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal & 2 Bars, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Sources | NAA: B2455, AYRE Alfred Henry |