Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Reginald Victor Graham Pennefather

confirmed

Born: 25 July 1887

Died: 12 March 1962

A surveyor and civil engineer with NSW Railways who enlisted in the AIF on 13 December 1915. He was appointed a Second Lieutenant on 1 May 1916 then embarked for England on 22 May and arrived on 18 July 1916.

He joined the 1st Anzac Entrenching Battalion on 16 October 1916 at La Clytte (De Klijte), Belgium and the following week was attached to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company. He was evacuated to hospital in France on 6 December then to England on 17 December suffering from trench feet. Following treatment and convalescence he returned to France on 30 January 1917.

He joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion on 23 March 1917 then was detached in April 1917 to serve with the 1st Anzac Light Railways. He was wounded (neurasthenia and shell shock) in action on 6th August at Pilkem Ridge, Belgium. He was knocked unconscious for 30 minutes. It was not until 23 August 1917 that he sought treatment then was evacuated to England for treatment and convalescence.

He rejoined the 4th Pioneer Battalion on 12 December. He was wounded (chest, left leg) in action at Dernancourt, France on 5 April 1918 and again evacuated to England. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions that day. The recommendation was as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry on April 5th 1918, at Dernacourt (sic) when enemy attacked in heavy forces. Lieut Pennefather was in charge of a party of 25 Pioneers sapping (tunnelling) in front of line, and when attack started he rallied his men and took up a position amongst Infantry there and maintained his sector by his personal example until wounded badly. His men inspired by his personal example stuck to their posts against tremendous odds until all became casualties. They fought to the end side by side with the Infantry and displayed great coolness and determination in the emergency. Their assistance was extremely opportune and materially assisted in resisting the enemy attack causing him heavy losses."

He returned to his unit at Vraignes-en-Vermandois, France on 19 September 1919. Within days the battalion moved out of the front line for the last time.

He embarked for Australia on 3 January 1919 and arrived on 25 February then his commission in the AIF was terminated on 4 April 1919. [JSB]