The AIF Project

Recommendation date: 15 May 1918

Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918).

'On the night 7th/8th May, 1918, north of SAILLY-le-SEC, during an attack by this Battalion in conjunction with the Battalion on our left, all telephonic communication between attacking Company and Battalion Headquarters was severed by a heavy enemy barrage. The position was obscure and critical, as forward communications of Battalion on our left had also broken down, and it was uncertain as to where their right flank rested. Lance Corporal FITTS volunteered to repair the lines, and while doing so had to work under shell fire which cut the lines almost as soon as the repairs had been effected. During the whole night and early morning he worked to and fro under this barrage until completely exhausted, and by his fearlessness, skill and devotion to duty, succeeded in maintaining communication to the rear, so that we were enabled to convey vital information to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion on our left, and to keep Brigade fully conversant with the situation. This N.C.O. has been with the battalion since its inception, and has performed similar deeds of this description, particularly during our last winter on the SOMME.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919