Born: 29 January 1897
Died: 20 April 1972
A general engineering apprentice who enlisted in the AIF on 10 July 1915. He embarked for Egypt on 9 August 1915.
He landed at Gallipoli on 29 September 1915 as a reinforcement for the 18th Battalion. He was evacuated on 6 November 1915, suffering from an infection, to hospital in Malta.
He returned to his unit in January 1916. After further training it went to the north of France in late March 1916.
He was awarded the Italian Bronze Medal for Military Valor for his actions at Pozieres. The recommendation for the award was as follows:
"During the bombing attack in Munster Alley, July 26th/27th 1916, this NCO (then Private) was foremost man in the trench clearing party and showed conspicuous courage and devotion to duty, He was the first man to reach the block in the trench and although bombed by the Huns stuck to his post until relieved 14 hours after by the 17th Battalion party."
Out of the 57 members of the 18th Battalion committed to this part of the Battle of Pozieres, he was one of only seven who were not casualties.
In November 1916 he was evacuated to England suffering from trench feet. After discharge from hospital in January 1917, he remained in England for training to return to his unit but in March he was transferred to the nascent 61st Battalion. When this was disbanded in September 1917, he returned to the 18th Battalion on 4 October 1917.
In April 1918, he was sent to Officer Cadet Battalion. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on 9 November 1918. He returned to the 18th Battalion on 27 November 1918.
At his request, his appointment was terminated in London on 1 October 1919, in order for him to undertake further technical training. He returned to Australia in April 1921. [JSB]
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