Victoria Cross Recipients
A-L
AXFORD, Thomas Leslie
Service No 3399 Corporal 16th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during operations. When the barrage lifted and an infantry advance commenced his platoon was able to reach the first enemy defences through gaps which had been cut in the wire. The adjoining platoon being delayed in uncut wire, enemy machine guns got into action, and inflicted many casualties, including the company commander. Lance Corporal Axford, with great initiative and magnificent courage, at once dashed to the flank, threw his bombs amongst the machine gun crews, jumped into the trench, and charged with his bayonet. Unaided he killed ten of the enemy and took six prisoners; he threw the machine guns over the paapet, and called out to the delayed platoon to come on. He then rejoined his own platoon, and fought with it during the remainder of the operation. Prior to the incidents above mentioned, he had assisted in the laying out of the tape for the jumping off position, which was within 100 yards of the enemy. When the tapes were laid, he remained out as a special patrol to insure that the enemy did not discover any unusual movement on our side. His initiative and gallantry undoubtedly saved many casualties, and most materially assisted towards the complete success of his company in the task assigned to it.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191 Date: 12 December 1918 Military Medal Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15 Date: 4 February 1919 |
BEATHAM, Robert Matthew
Service No 2742 Private 8th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack north of ROBIERES on 9.8.18. Pte BEATHAM showed such heroism and courage that he inspired all officers and men in his vicinity in a wonderful manner. When the advance was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Pte BEATHAM dashed forward and assisted by one man bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others. The bravery of the action greatly facilitated the advance of the whole battalion and prevented casualties. In fighting the crew of the first gun he was shot through the right leg but continued in the advance. When the final objective was reached and fierce fighting taking place, he again dashed forward and bombed the machine gun that was holding our men off, getting riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. His heroism and self-sacrifice were not in vain and as his bombs knocked out the enemy machine gun our men were enabled to advance.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
BIRKS, Fredrick
Service no 47 Second Lieutenant 6th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery in attack when accompanied only by a corporal, he rushed a strong point which was holding up the advance. The corporal was wounded by a bomb, but 2nd Lieutenant Birks went on by himself, killed the remainder of the enemy occupying the position, and captured a machine gun. Shortly afterwards he organised a small party and attacked another strong point, which was occupied by about twenty five of the enemy, of whom many were killed and an officer and fifteen men captured. During the consolidation this officer did magnificent work in reorganising parties of other units which had been disorganised during the operations. By his wonderful coolness and personal bravery 2nd Lieutenant Birks kept his men in splendid spirits throughout. He was killed at his post by a shell whilst endeavouring to extricate some of his men who had been buried by a shell.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 110 Date: 25 July 1918 Military Medal 'At POZIERES, FRANCE, on the 26th July 1916 L/Cpl BIRKS continually led his squad of stretcher bearers through POZIERES Wood and Village from the front line, many of the Regimental stretcher bearers being out of action. He was exposed to heavy shell fire the whole time.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: 19 April 1917 |
BLACKBURN, Arthur Seaforth
Service No 31 Lieutenant 10th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. He was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By dogged determination he eventually captured their trench after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties.In face of fierce opposition he captured 250 yards of trench. Then, after crawling forward with a sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned attack and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the battalion on his left.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 |
BORELLA, Albert Chalmers
Service No 275 Lieutenant 26th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery in attack. Whilst leading his platoon with the first wave, Lieutenant Borella marked an enemy machine gun firing through our barrage. He ran out ahead of his men into the barrage, shot two German machine gunners with his revolver, and captured the gun. He then led his party, now reduced to ten men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver, and later a rifle, with great effect, causing many enemy casualties. His leading and splendid example resulted in the garrison being quickly shot or captured. Two large dug outs were also bombed, and thirty prisoners taken. Subsequently the enemy twice counter attacked in strong force, on the second occasion outnumbering Lieutenant Borella's platoon by ten to one, but his cool determination inspired his men to resist heroically, and the enemy were repulsed, with very heavy losses.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: 12 February 1919 Military Medal 'For conspicuous bravery in action. This Sergeant in the attack on MALT TRENCH, north of WARLENCOURT on the night of the 1st/2nd March, 1917, did splendid work. After taking a leading part in the furious fighting on the right of the Battalion objective he assisted Lieutenant WARD in reorganising the men and consolidating the line. Throughout he displayed the greatest coolness and devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: 27 August 1917 |
BROWN, Walter Ernest
Service No 1689 Sergeant 20th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For conspicuous bravery and determination when with an advance party from his battalion which was going into the line in relief. The company to which he was attached carried out during the night a minor operation, resulting in the capture of a small system of enemy trench. Early on the following morning an enemy strong post about 70 yards distant caused the occupants of the newly captured trench great inconvenience by persistent sniping. Hearing that it had been decided to rush this post; Corporal Brown on his own initiative, crept out along the shallow trench and made a dash towards the post. An enemy machine gun opened fire from another trench and forced him to take cover. Later he again dashed forth and reached his objective. With a Mills grenade in his hand he stood at the door of a dugout and called on the occupants to surrender. One of the enemy rushed out, a scuffle ensured, and Corporal Brown knocked him down with his fist. Loud cries of "Kamerad"were then heard, and from the dug out an officer and eleven other ranks appeared. This party Corporal Brown brought back as prisoners to our line, the enemy meanwhile from other positions bringing heavy machine gun fire to bear on the party.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191 Date: 12 December 1918 Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an important attack by our troops this N.C.O. displayed most self sacrificing devotion to duty, attending to the wounded of his company under very heavy shell fire. Later on in the action he took charge of his section, after its sergeant had become a casualty, and showed a fine example of courage and leadership to the men.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 4 March 1919 |
BUCKLEY, Alexander Henry
Service No 1876 Lance Corporal 54th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice at Peronne during the operations on 1st and 2nd September, 1918. After passing the first objective his half company and part of the company on the flank were held up by an enemy machine gun next. With one man he rushed the post, shooting four of the occupants and taking twenty two prisoners. Later on, reaching a moat, it was found that another machine gun nest commanded the only available footbridge. While this was being engaged from a flank Corporal Buckley endeavoured to cross the bridge and rush the post, but was killed in the attempt. Throughout the advance he had displayed great initiative, resource, and courage, and by his effort to save his comrades from casualties, he set a fine example of self sacrificing devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
BUCKLEY, Maurice Vincent
aka SEXTON, Gerald Service No 6594 Sergeant 13th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery during the attack near Le Verguier, north west of St. Quentin, on the 18th September, 1918. During the whole period of the advance, which was very seriously opposed, Sergeant Sexton was to the fore dealing with enemy machine guns, rushing enemy posts, and performing great feats of bravery and endurance without faltering or for a moment taking cover. When the advance had passed the ridge at Le Verguier, Sergeant Sexton's attention was directed to a party of the enemy manning a bank, and to a field gun causing casualties and holding up a company. Without hesitation, calling to his section to follow, he rushed down the bank and killed the gunners of the field gun. Regardless of machine gun fire, he returned to the bank and after firing down some dug outs induced about thirty of the enemy to surrender. When the advance was continued from the first to the second objective the company was again held up by machine guns on the flanks. Supported by another platoon, he disposed of the enemy guns, displaying boldness which inspired all. Later, he again showed the most conspicuous initiative in the capture of hostile posts and machine guns, and rendered invaluable support to his company digging in.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On four separate occasions his company was suddenly confronted by enemy machine gun fire. On each occasion this N.C.O. in charge of a Lewis gun section brought his gun into action with great promptitude, quickly silencing the opposition. On one occasion, in some tall crops, he stood up in full view of the enemy, firing form the hip until he had put the enemy machine gun out of action. Throughout the day he displayed initiative combined with coolness' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: 14 March 1919 |
BUDGEN, Patrick Joseph
Service No 3774 Private 31st Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, on two occasions, our advance was temporarily held up by strongly defended "pill boxes". Private Bugden, in the face of devastating fire from machine guns, gallantly led small parties to attack these strong points, and, successfully silencing the machine guns with bombs, captured the garrison at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, when a Corporal, who had become detached from his company, had been captured and was being taken to the rear by the enemy, Private Bugden, single handed, rushed to the rescue of his comrade, shot one enemy, and bayoneted the remaining two, thus releasing the Corporal. On five occasions, he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger. Always foremost in volunteering for any dangerous mission, it was during the execution of one of these missions that this gallant soldier was killed.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7 March 1918 |
BURTON, Alexander Stewart
Service No 384 Lance Corporal 7th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery at Lone Pine trenches, in the Gallipoli Peninsula, on the 9th August, 1915. In the early morning the enemy made a determined counter attack on the centre of the newly captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb, Corporals Burton and Dunstan, and a few men. They advanced up a sap and blew in a sandbag barricade, leaving only one foot of it standing; but Lieutenant Tubb, with the two corporals, repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Supported by strong bombing parties, the enemy twice again succeeded in blowing in the barricade; but on each occasion they were repulsed, and the barricade rebuilt, although Lieutenant Tubb was wounded in the head and arm, and Corporal Burton was killed by a bomb while most gallantly building up the parapet under a hail of bombs.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 28 Date: 24 February 1916 |
CARROLL, John
Service No 1804 Private 44th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack, immediately the barrage lifted, Private John Carroll rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the enemy. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties, and at once proceeded to his comrade's assistance and killed one of the enemy. He continued working ahead with great determination until he came across a machine gun and team of four men in a shell hold. Single handed he attacked the entire team, killing three of the men and capturing the gun. Later on, two of his comrades were buried by a shell, and, in spite of very heavy shelling and machine gun fire, he managed to extricate them. During the 96 hours the battalion was in the line, Private Carroll displayed most wonderful courage and fearlessness. His magnificent example of gallantry and devotion to duty inspired all ranks in his battalion.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: 20 December 1917 |
CARTWRIGHT, George
Service No 726 Private 33rd Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the morning of the 31st August, 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine gun fire, from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation, Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team, and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. This gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination, and courage of the highest order.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
CASTLETON, Claude Charles
Service No 1352 Sergeant 2nd Machine Gun Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's trenches the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine gun fire opened by the enemy. Many wounded were left in "No Man's Land" lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out twice in face of this intense fire, and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time, and was bringing in another wounded man, when he himself was hit in the back, and killed instantly. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 |
CHERRY, Percy Herbert
Service No 1023 Lieutenant 26th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and leadership when in command of a company detailed to storm and clear a village. After all the officers of his company had become casualties, he carried on with care and determination, in the face of fierce opposition, and cleared the village of the enemy. He sent frequent reports of progress made, and when held up for some time by an enemy strong point he organised machine gun and bomb parties and captured the position. His leadership, coolness, and bravery set a wonderful example to his men. Having cleared the village, he took charge of the situation and beat off the most resolute and heavy counter attack made by the enemy. Wounded about 6.30 a.m., he refused to leave his post, and there remained, encouraging all to hold out at all costs, until, about 4.30 p.m., this very gallant officer was killed by an enemy shell.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: 27 August 1917 Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in the attack with great gallantry and captured the enemy's position together with two machine guns. Later although wounded, he continued to command his men.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133 Date: 21 August 1917 |
COOKE, Thomas
Service No 3055 Private 8th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. After a Lewis gun had been disabled, he was ordered to take his gun and gun-team to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that finally he was the only man left. he still stuck to his post, and continued to fire his gun. When assistance was sent he was found dead beside his gun. He set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty.' Posthumous award. |
CURREY, William Mathew
Service No 1584 Private 53rd Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and daring in the attack on Peronne on the morning of 1st September, 1918. When the battalion was suffering heavy casualties from a 77mm field gun at very close range, Private Currey, without hesitation, rushed forward under intense machine gun fire and succeeded in capturing the gun single handed after killing the entire crew. Later, when the advance of the left flank was checked by an enemy strong point, Private Currey crept around the flank and engaged the post with a Lewis gun. Finally, he rushed the post single handed, causing many casualties. It was entirely owing to his gallant conduct that the situation was relieved and the advance enabled to continue. Subsequently he volunteered to carry orders for the withdrawal of an isolated company, and this he succeeded in doing despite shell and rifle fire, returning later with valuable information. Throughout the operations his striking example of coolness, determination, and utter disregard of danger had a most inspiring effect on his comrades, and his gallant work contributed largely to the success of the operations.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
DALZIEL, Henry
Service No 1936 Private 15th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action with a Lewis gun section. His company met with determined resistance from a strong point which was strongly garrisoned, manned by numerous machine guns, and undamaged by our artillery fire, was also protected by strong wire entanglements. A heavy concentration of machine gun fire caused many casualties, and held up our advance. His Lewis gun having come into action and silenced enemy guns in one direction, an enemy gun fire opened from another direction. Private Dalziel dashed at it, and with his revolver killed and captured the entire crew and gun, and allowed our advance to continue. He was severely wounded in the hand, but carried on and took part in the capture of the final objective. He twice went over open ground under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire to secure ammunition, though suffering from considerable loss of blood. He filled magazines and served his gun until severely wounded through the head. His magnificent bravery and devotion to duty was an inspiring example to all his comrades, and his dash and unselfish courage at a most critical time undoubtedly saved many lives, and turned what could have been a severe check into a splendid success.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191 Date: 12 December 1918 |
DARTNELL, William Thomas
Lieutenant 25th Battalion Royal Fusiliers Victoria Cross 'On 3 September, word came through that a German raiding party was in the vicinity of Maktau. A counter force of 117 men was raised from Dartnell's company with Captain John Woodruffe in command, and sent to intercept the German troops. The British force, however, was ambushed by a German party approximately 200 strong, which included a number of native Askari soldiers. Casualties were high, and the situation soon descended into chaos. Woodruffe, by this time badly injured and concerned that his men were becoming surrounded, ordered that the wounded be quickly withdrawn so that the remainder of the force could do the same. However, given the intensity of the firefight and the resources available, the grievously wounded could not be moved. Dartnell had been wounded in the leg and was being carried away to safety when he realised this. Fearing what the Askari would do to the British wounded, he demanded to remain and fight. Twice he was instructed to leave, but he refused and gave the order for his men to abandon him. Dartnell was last seen firing on the German troops, who were within 25 metres (27 yd) of his position. When his body was recovered several hours later, it was surrounded by seven dead German soldiers.' |
DAVEY, Phillip
Service No 1327 Private 10th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. In a daylight operation against the enemy position, his platoon advanced 200 yards, capturing part of the enemy line, and whilst the platoon was consolidating the enemy pushed a machine gun forward under cover of a hedge and opened fire from close range, inflicting heavy casualties and hampering work. Alone Corporal Davey moved forward in the face of a fierce point blank fire, and attacked the gun with hand grenades, putting half the crew out of action. Having used all available grenades, he returned to the original jumping off trench, secured a further supply and again attacked the gun, the crew of which had in the meantime been reinforced. He killed the crew, eight in all, and captured the gun. This very vallant N.C.O. then mounted the gun in the new post and used it in repelling a determined counter attack, during which he was severely wounded. By his determination, Corporal Davey saved the platoon from annihilation, and made it possible to consolidate and hold a position of vital importance to the success of the whole operation.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191 Date: 12 December 1918 Military Medal 'Work near Warneton on 3 January 1918.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 120 Date: 7 August 1918 |
DUNSTAN, William
Service No 2130 Corporal 7th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery at Lone Pine trenches, in the Gallipoli Peninsula, on the 9th August, 1915. In the early morning the enemy made a determined counter attack on the centre of the newly captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb, Corporals Burton and Dunstan, and a few men. They advanced up a sap and blew in a sandbag barricade, leaving only one foot of it standing; but Lieutenant Tubb, with the two corporals, repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Supported by strong bombing parties, the enemy twice again succeeded in blowing in the barricade; but on each occasion they were repulsed, and the barricade rebuilt, although Lieutenant Tubb was wounded in the head and arm, and Corporal Burton was killed by a bomb while most gallantly building up the parapet under a hail of bombs.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 28 Date: 24 February 1916 |
In 1915, on board the Wandilla, were troops from Australia to reinforce the battalions already at Gallipoli. Four men were talkine of the future. One
who is now in the Commonwealth Bank in Perth, thought that he would get back to Australia all right. He was hit in the thigh at Gallipoli and was later discharged as unfit for further service. A second man said that he, for some vague reason, thought he would be hit in the left shoulder. He was shot through the chest at Fleurbaix and returned to Australia, and was unfit to proceed abroad again for military duty. A third, who was a University student, said that when he said good-bye to his people in Australia he meant it. He could not see how a man could get through-the chances of death in modern warfare were too great. He was killed at Lone Pine. The fourth man of this quartette of pals, was temporarily blinded at Lone Pine, and was awarded a Victoria Cross-for his gallantry. His name was William Dunstan, and he was in Perth recently with the Press conference. William Dunstan was a man who brought to the Australian Imperial Force a useful knowledge of military matters. In the camp of training to which he was drafted and on the voyage to Egypt and Gallipoli, he proved to be a wise leader of men. even though so young. He was born at Ballarat on March 8, 1895 and, in the most eventful year of his life, 1915, he was twenty years of age. Lieutenant William Dunstan was commissioned on July 1, 1914, in the 70th Infantry at Ballarat, Victoria, and he served with that unit on home defence. Ultimately he obtained his release, and dashed off to enlist, not being prepared to await appointment as an officer in the expeditionary force. This opens up an avenue for speculation-would he not have become a brilliant leader in higher spheres had he been less hasty in his decision to discard his status as an officer and enlist in the ranks! Sergeant-Major Dunstan (as he soon became) went abroad on the troopship Wandilla with the sixth reinforcements to the 7th Battalion, which was then standing up with vigour, despite its serious loss of officers and other ranks, to the exacting demands of the Gallipoli campaign. He arrived at Gallipoli in the first days of August, 1915, and in conformity with practice dropped his rank on being taken on the strength of the 7th Battalion. However, he was immediately given the rank of corporal. It is advisable to attempt to visualise the state of affairs at Anzac for a better appreciation of the story of Dunstan's gallantry. The days of April with its landing and counter-attacks had passed. Battered battalions had dug safer and more effective positions; the attacks of May had been withstood and field guns, so short of ammunition, were in improved emplacements; the machine guns had been increased in number and fresh troops, admittedly so few, had arrived and strengthened the garrison. But sickness was making already tired men crumple up, and only the strictest attention to sanitation kept the numbers of
casualties from this cause within reasonable bounds.
June and July saw continuous losses of men on both sides, and no real rest for the men of Anzac. It was decided further to improve the position, and
bold strokes were the only means of doing so. More and more troops were brought to the Peninsular, and greater bombardments were a corollary of the increase in assaults on enemy territory. Something had to be done, otherwise, it was said, the weather would be so bad that Anzac would be untenable, especially as food and stores would not be available from the boats and the wounded could not be evacuated. Storms would
prevent this. Troops in the opposing trenches at Anzac noted from day to day that the Turks were making that section of trenches south of Quinn's Post more and more difficult to capture. German Officers' Trench and its continuance to that portion known as Lone Pine were being progressively covered at night with baulks of timber and, when successive dawns came, men said to one another that the attackers would have a rough time. This proved to be so. The comparative quiet of several weeks' duration was to be broken by attacks at several points on the Gallipoli Peninsular. A landing at an uncaptured place in Suvla Bay (north of Anzac) was portion of the plan, and the advance of Australian and New Zealand troops in those rugged hills on the left of the Anzac position and attacks at Russell's Tcp and Lone Pine were also phases of the scheme. Each of these assaults was a daring venture, and it was recognised that vigorous action, good discipline and initiative, as well as unfaltering bravery, would be demanded. The Suvla landing caused casualties in large numbers, without obtaining any tactical advantage. The Russell's Top affair and nearby assaults were to cost a great deal in Australian lives without gain of ground. But at Lone Pine ground was won, and despite serious counter-attacks it was held. Yet Lone Pine was
only a feint; it was subsidiary to the hoped-for gain of territory, particularly in the region of Sari Bair. The battles of Lone Pine and Sari Bair cost the 1st
Australian Division and the New Zealand and Australian Division, 5,OOO casualties.
Artillery preparation for the Lone Pine attack was negligible on account of the shortage of ammunition and the lack of suitable positions from which the field guns operated, but chiefly the former. In comparison with the use of artillery in Prance (especially in the closing days of the war) the value of field guns in the Lone Pine assault and in the resistance of counter-attacks is not worth mentioning. But this was through no fault
of the keen gunners, who were ever-ready to help their infantry comrades. The facilities to render generous artillery assistance did not exist in this campaign, which was notable for gun ammunition being doled out on starvation scales. Lone Pine fell. The troops who could not enter the Turkish trenches because of the overhead covering, or who could not inflict damage to the enemy through such opening as did exist, did not wait to be mown down by the devastating machine gun fire, but rushed ahead and entered the communication trenches and pressed forward to prevent the approach
of reinforcements and to deny as much ground as possible to the enemy. Others, having gone forward, worked their way back to the enemy's front line and endeavoured to mop them up in the gloom. Hand to hand fighting was the result, and it is recognised now what a tremendous difference an adequate supply of Mills bombs makes in the hands of capable bombers, instead of those jam tin affairs of crude manufacture; these were distrusted by the men issued with them.
In accordance with the requirements of the Turkish Army, the regiment which loses ground is due to retake it. It is sound tactics to launch a counter-attack before there is time for the occupants to consolidate the position. There was much difficulty on both sides; the enemy to organise the counter- stroke and our troops to make the position defendable. Barricades were built with sandbags, and efforts were made to evacuate the dead and wounded. Attacks on various points were delivered and the appreciation now of the value of bombs in the type of fighting involved made the Australians demand more and more of them, until the whole supply at the improvised bomb factory on the beach was consumed. Then
one officer conceived the idea of filling eighteen-pounder shell cases with high explosive, a most unwieldly missile to throw by hand. Meantime 54 men concentrated their efforts down at the beach on bomb manufacture, and supplies were made available to the forward troops in time for good use to be made of them. Continuous bombing now was heard along the Lone Pine ridge, and every move was watched by both Turkish and British troops, with a view to gaining advantage Then serious assaults were launched by the Turks. What happened during those frightful early hours of August 9, 1915! At 4 o'clock a.m. there was a furious Turkish attack all along the Lone Pine ridge. In one position was an officer with eight
men on the parapet and two corporal standing on the trench floor, whose job it was to catch the enemy's bombs and throw them back or, alternatively, smother them with some Turkish greatcoats at hand. Into this position rushed some Turks, and they were shot. Other Turks were engaged from the parapet. One of the two bomb-catching corporals was killed by a bomb and then the other had both hands blown off. He died a
little later. Four privates were killed by bomb bursts. The officer was now supported by two corporals, and the Official Historian tell that at this stage "there occurred at the barricade a violent explosion, which threw back the defenders and tumbled down the sand bags. It was conjectured that the Turks had fired an explosive charge with the object of destroying this barrier." The officer, however, drove them off, and the two corporals went helping to rebuild the barrier when the bomb fell among them, killing one of them and temporarily blinding his comrade. The officer obtained further men, and the attack was successfully resisted by him, as was the case elsewhere. One of the corporals concerned in this episode was William Dunstan, and when the Victoria Cross was gazetted the citation read-"For most conspicuous bravery at Lone Pine trenches, in the Gallipoli Peninsula, on August 9, 1915. In the early morning the enemy made a determined counter-attack on the centre of the newly-captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb, Corporals Burton and Dunstan, and a few men. They advanced up a sap, and blew in a sandbag barricade, leaving only one foot of it standing; but Lieutenant Tubb, with the two corporals, repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Supported by strong bombing parties the enemy twice again succeeded in blowing ia the barricade; but on each occasion they were repulsed, and the barricade rebuilt, although Lieutenant Tubb was wounded in the head and arm, and Corporal Burton was killed by a bomb while most gallantly building up the parapet under a hail of bombs." The
"London Gazette" also contained awards of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Tubb and Corporal Burton. The wounds caused William Dunstan, V.C., to be returned to Australia, where demands were made upon his energies as again as he was fit enough to take up duty. In 1916, 1917 and 1918 he was
an Area Officer and in 1916 and 1917 had the added duties of acting brigade major of the 18th Infantry Brigade. In due course he returned to civilian
life, and after a period with the head-quarters of the Repatriation Department in Melbourne, he became accountant at its Victorian branch, then accountant of the "Herald" newspaper, and is today one of the senior executives on the commercial side of Victorian newspapers, being manager of the "Herald" and "Weekly Times."
A life such as William Dunstan's is demonstrative of the man who is destined to do well: one who takes up a job of work, whatever it may be, and,
putting his heart into it, achieves his purpose. His successful soldiering and his gallantry were not matters of chance, but the natural attainments of a man who had the will to do well. William Dunstan, with impaired health resulting from his war service and the heavy demands of his responsible position in the business world, has found time throughout the years to be the treasurer of the Naval and Military Club in Melbourne, and it was somewhat intriguing to see in by-gone days that great leader of men, John Monash, as the President of the Club, and a gallant man in William Dunstan as its honorary treasurer.
Since his return from the war Dunstan has visited America as well as having travelled within Australia a great deal. During his journeying he has
taken the opportunity to consult leading specialists about the physical damage and the resultant pain which he has had to bear. He has undergone
operative treatment in the post-war years. It is a tribute to the quality of the man that as they can afford him no relief, he carries on uncomplainingly
and without indulging in self-pity.
Western Mail Thursday 30 July 1936 page 9
who is now in the Commonwealth Bank in Perth, thought that he would get back to Australia all right. He was hit in the thigh at Gallipoli and was later discharged as unfit for further service. A second man said that he, for some vague reason, thought he would be hit in the left shoulder. He was shot through the chest at Fleurbaix and returned to Australia, and was unfit to proceed abroad again for military duty. A third, who was a University student, said that when he said good-bye to his people in Australia he meant it. He could not see how a man could get through-the chances of death in modern warfare were too great. He was killed at Lone Pine. The fourth man of this quartette of pals, was temporarily blinded at Lone Pine, and was awarded a Victoria Cross-for his gallantry. His name was William Dunstan, and he was in Perth recently with the Press conference. William Dunstan was a man who brought to the Australian Imperial Force a useful knowledge of military matters. In the camp of training to which he was drafted and on the voyage to Egypt and Gallipoli, he proved to be a wise leader of men. even though so young. He was born at Ballarat on March 8, 1895 and, in the most eventful year of his life, 1915, he was twenty years of age. Lieutenant William Dunstan was commissioned on July 1, 1914, in the 70th Infantry at Ballarat, Victoria, and he served with that unit on home defence. Ultimately he obtained his release, and dashed off to enlist, not being prepared to await appointment as an officer in the expeditionary force. This opens up an avenue for speculation-would he not have become a brilliant leader in higher spheres had he been less hasty in his decision to discard his status as an officer and enlist in the ranks! Sergeant-Major Dunstan (as he soon became) went abroad on the troopship Wandilla with the sixth reinforcements to the 7th Battalion, which was then standing up with vigour, despite its serious loss of officers and other ranks, to the exacting demands of the Gallipoli campaign. He arrived at Gallipoli in the first days of August, 1915, and in conformity with practice dropped his rank on being taken on the strength of the 7th Battalion. However, he was immediately given the rank of corporal. It is advisable to attempt to visualise the state of affairs at Anzac for a better appreciation of the story of Dunstan's gallantry. The days of April with its landing and counter-attacks had passed. Battered battalions had dug safer and more effective positions; the attacks of May had been withstood and field guns, so short of ammunition, were in improved emplacements; the machine guns had been increased in number and fresh troops, admittedly so few, had arrived and strengthened the garrison. But sickness was making already tired men crumple up, and only the strictest attention to sanitation kept the numbers of
casualties from this cause within reasonable bounds.
June and July saw continuous losses of men on both sides, and no real rest for the men of Anzac. It was decided further to improve the position, and
bold strokes were the only means of doing so. More and more troops were brought to the Peninsular, and greater bombardments were a corollary of the increase in assaults on enemy territory. Something had to be done, otherwise, it was said, the weather would be so bad that Anzac would be untenable, especially as food and stores would not be available from the boats and the wounded could not be evacuated. Storms would
prevent this. Troops in the opposing trenches at Anzac noted from day to day that the Turks were making that section of trenches south of Quinn's Post more and more difficult to capture. German Officers' Trench and its continuance to that portion known as Lone Pine were being progressively covered at night with baulks of timber and, when successive dawns came, men said to one another that the attackers would have a rough time. This proved to be so. The comparative quiet of several weeks' duration was to be broken by attacks at several points on the Gallipoli Peninsular. A landing at an uncaptured place in Suvla Bay (north of Anzac) was portion of the plan, and the advance of Australian and New Zealand troops in those rugged hills on the left of the Anzac position and attacks at Russell's Tcp and Lone Pine were also phases of the scheme. Each of these assaults was a daring venture, and it was recognised that vigorous action, good discipline and initiative, as well as unfaltering bravery, would be demanded. The Suvla landing caused casualties in large numbers, without obtaining any tactical advantage. The Russell's Top affair and nearby assaults were to cost a great deal in Australian lives without gain of ground. But at Lone Pine ground was won, and despite serious counter-attacks it was held. Yet Lone Pine was
only a feint; it was subsidiary to the hoped-for gain of territory, particularly in the region of Sari Bair. The battles of Lone Pine and Sari Bair cost the 1st
Australian Division and the New Zealand and Australian Division, 5,OOO casualties.
Artillery preparation for the Lone Pine attack was negligible on account of the shortage of ammunition and the lack of suitable positions from which the field guns operated, but chiefly the former. In comparison with the use of artillery in Prance (especially in the closing days of the war) the value of field guns in the Lone Pine assault and in the resistance of counter-attacks is not worth mentioning. But this was through no fault
of the keen gunners, who were ever-ready to help their infantry comrades. The facilities to render generous artillery assistance did not exist in this campaign, which was notable for gun ammunition being doled out on starvation scales. Lone Pine fell. The troops who could not enter the Turkish trenches because of the overhead covering, or who could not inflict damage to the enemy through such opening as did exist, did not wait to be mown down by the devastating machine gun fire, but rushed ahead and entered the communication trenches and pressed forward to prevent the approach
of reinforcements and to deny as much ground as possible to the enemy. Others, having gone forward, worked their way back to the enemy's front line and endeavoured to mop them up in the gloom. Hand to hand fighting was the result, and it is recognised now what a tremendous difference an adequate supply of Mills bombs makes in the hands of capable bombers, instead of those jam tin affairs of crude manufacture; these were distrusted by the men issued with them.
In accordance with the requirements of the Turkish Army, the regiment which loses ground is due to retake it. It is sound tactics to launch a counter-attack before there is time for the occupants to consolidate the position. There was much difficulty on both sides; the enemy to organise the counter- stroke and our troops to make the position defendable. Barricades were built with sandbags, and efforts were made to evacuate the dead and wounded. Attacks on various points were delivered and the appreciation now of the value of bombs in the type of fighting involved made the Australians demand more and more of them, until the whole supply at the improvised bomb factory on the beach was consumed. Then
one officer conceived the idea of filling eighteen-pounder shell cases with high explosive, a most unwieldly missile to throw by hand. Meantime 54 men concentrated their efforts down at the beach on bomb manufacture, and supplies were made available to the forward troops in time for good use to be made of them. Continuous bombing now was heard along the Lone Pine ridge, and every move was watched by both Turkish and British troops, with a view to gaining advantage Then serious assaults were launched by the Turks. What happened during those frightful early hours of August 9, 1915! At 4 o'clock a.m. there was a furious Turkish attack all along the Lone Pine ridge. In one position was an officer with eight
men on the parapet and two corporal standing on the trench floor, whose job it was to catch the enemy's bombs and throw them back or, alternatively, smother them with some Turkish greatcoats at hand. Into this position rushed some Turks, and they were shot. Other Turks were engaged from the parapet. One of the two bomb-catching corporals was killed by a bomb and then the other had both hands blown off. He died a
little later. Four privates were killed by bomb bursts. The officer was now supported by two corporals, and the Official Historian tell that at this stage "there occurred at the barricade a violent explosion, which threw back the defenders and tumbled down the sand bags. It was conjectured that the Turks had fired an explosive charge with the object of destroying this barrier." The officer, however, drove them off, and the two corporals went helping to rebuild the barrier when the bomb fell among them, killing one of them and temporarily blinding his comrade. The officer obtained further men, and the attack was successfully resisted by him, as was the case elsewhere. One of the corporals concerned in this episode was William Dunstan, and when the Victoria Cross was gazetted the citation read-"For most conspicuous bravery at Lone Pine trenches, in the Gallipoli Peninsula, on August 9, 1915. In the early morning the enemy made a determined counter-attack on the centre of the newly-captured trench held by Lieutenant Tubb, Corporals Burton and Dunstan, and a few men. They advanced up a sap, and blew in a sandbag barricade, leaving only one foot of it standing; but Lieutenant Tubb, with the two corporals, repulsed the enemy and rebuilt the barricade. Supported by strong bombing parties the enemy twice again succeeded in blowing ia the barricade; but on each occasion they were repulsed, and the barricade rebuilt, although Lieutenant Tubb was wounded in the head and arm, and Corporal Burton was killed by a bomb while most gallantly building up the parapet under a hail of bombs." The
"London Gazette" also contained awards of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Tubb and Corporal Burton. The wounds caused William Dunstan, V.C., to be returned to Australia, where demands were made upon his energies as again as he was fit enough to take up duty. In 1916, 1917 and 1918 he was
an Area Officer and in 1916 and 1917 had the added duties of acting brigade major of the 18th Infantry Brigade. In due course he returned to civilian
life, and after a period with the head-quarters of the Repatriation Department in Melbourne, he became accountant at its Victorian branch, then accountant of the "Herald" newspaper, and is today one of the senior executives on the commercial side of Victorian newspapers, being manager of the "Herald" and "Weekly Times."
A life such as William Dunstan's is demonstrative of the man who is destined to do well: one who takes up a job of work, whatever it may be, and,
putting his heart into it, achieves his purpose. His successful soldiering and his gallantry were not matters of chance, but the natural attainments of a man who had the will to do well. William Dunstan, with impaired health resulting from his war service and the heavy demands of his responsible position in the business world, has found time throughout the years to be the treasurer of the Naval and Military Club in Melbourne, and it was somewhat intriguing to see in by-gone days that great leader of men, John Monash, as the President of the Club, and a gallant man in William Dunstan as its honorary treasurer.
Since his return from the war Dunstan has visited America as well as having travelled within Australia a great deal. During his journeying he has
taken the opportunity to consult leading specialists about the physical damage and the resultant pain which he has had to bear. He has undergone
operative treatment in the post-war years. It is a tribute to the quality of the man that as they can afford him no relief, he carries on uncomplainingly
and without indulging in self-pity.
Western Mail Thursday 30 July 1936 page 9
DWYER, John James
Service No 2060 Lieutenant 4th Machine Gun Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery when in attack. Sergeant Dwyerr, in charge of a Vickers machine gun, went forward with the first wave of the brigade. On reaching the final objective, this non-commissioned officer rushed his gun forward in advance of the captured position in order to obtain a commanding spot. Whilst advancing, he noticed an enemy machine gun firing on the troops on our right flank, and causing casualties. Unhesitatingly, he rushed his gun forward to within 30 yards of the enemy gun, and fired point blank at it, putting it out of action, and killing the gun crew. He then seized the gun and, totally ignoring the snipers from the rear of the enemy position carried it back across the shell swept ground to our front line, and established both it and his Vickers gun on the right flank of our brigade. Sergeant Dwyer commanded these guns with great coolness, and, when the enemy counter attacked our positions, he rendered great assistance in repulsing them. On the following day, when the position was heavily shelled, this non-commissioned officer took up successive positions. On one occasion, his Vickers gun was blown up by shell fire,but he conducted his gun team back to Headquarters through the enemy barrage, secured one of the reserve guns, and rushed it back to our position in the shortest possible time. During the whole of the attack, his contempt of danger, cheerfulness, and courage, raised the spirits of all who were in his sector of the line.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7 March 1918 |
GABY, Alfred Edward
Service No 4053 Second Lieutenant 28th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and dash in attack, when on reaching a wire in front of an enemy trench, strong opposition was encountered. The advance was at once checked the enemy being in force about 40 yards beyond the wire, and commanding the gap with machine guns and rifles. Lieutenant Gaby found another gap in the wire, and, single handed, approached the strong point while machine guns and rifles were still being fired from it. Running along the parapet, still alone, and at point blank range, he emptied his revolver into the garrison, drove the crews from their guns, and compelled the surrender of 50 of the enemy with four machine guns. He then quickly reorganised his men, and led them on to his final objective, which he captured and consolidated. Three days later, during an attack, this officer again led his company with great dash to the objective. The enemy brought heavy rifle and machine gun fire to bear upon the line, but in the face of this heavy fire Lieutenant Gaby walked along his line of posts, encouraging his men to quickly consolidate. While engaged on this duty he was killed by an enemy sniper.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 4 March 1919 |
GORDON, Bernard Sidney
Service No 23 Lance Corporal 41st Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 26th-27th August, 1918, east of Bray. He led his section through heavy shell fire to the objective, which he consolidated. Single handed, he attacked an enemy machine gun which was enfilading the company on his right, killed the man on the gun, and capturing the post, which contained one officer and ten men. He then cleared up a trench, capturing twenty nine prisoners and two machine guns. In clearing up further trenches he captured twenty two prisoners, including one officer, and three machine guns. Practically unaided, he captured, in the course of these operations, two officers and sixty one other ranks, together with six machine guns, and displayed throughout a wonderful example of fearless initiative.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 Military Medal 'On the 8th August, 1918, during the attack east of HAMEL, Private GORDON single handed attacked a machine gun crew which was holding up his section. He killed the crew and captured the gun. Later on in the day he stalked and killed an enemy sniper. Throughout the operation he displayed much bravery and devotion to duty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
GRIEVE, Robert Cuthbert
Captain 37th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's position, in the face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire and after all his officers had been wounded and his company had suffered very heavy casualties, Captain Grieve located two hostile machine guns which were holding up his advance. He then, single handed, under continuous fire from these two machine guns, succeeded in bombing and killing the two crews, re-organised the remnants of his company, and gained his original objective. Captain Grieve, by his utter disregard of danger, and his coolness in mastering a very difficult position, set a splendid example, and when he finally fell wounded the position had been secured and the few remaining enemy were in full flight.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219 Date: 20 December 1917 |
HALL, Arthur Charles
Service No 2631 Corporal 56th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery, brilliant leadership, and devotion to duty during the operations at Peronne on 1st and 2nd September, 1918. During the attack on the 1st September a machine gun post was checking the advance. Single handed he rushed the position, shot four of the occupants, and captured nine others, and two machine guns. Then crossing the objective with a small party, he afforded excellent covering support to the remainder of the company. Continuously in advance of the main party, he located enemy posts of resistance and personally led parties to the assault. In this way he captured many small parties of prisoners and machine guns. On the morning of the 2nd September, during a heavy barrage, he carried to safety a comrade who had been dangerously wounded and was urgently in need of medical attention, and immediately returned to his post. The energy and personal courage of this gallant non-commissioned officer contributed largely to the success of the operations, throughout which he showed utter disregard of danger and inspired confidence in all.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
HAMILTON, John
Service No 943 Lieutenant 3rd Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery on 9th August, 915, in the Gallipoli Peninsula. During a heavy bomb attack by the enemy on the newly captured position at Lone Pine, Private Hamilton, with utter disregard to personal safety, exposed himself under heavy fire on the parados, in order to secure a better fire position against the enemy's bomb throwers. His coolness and daring example had an immediate effect. The defence was encouraged, and the enemy driven off with heavy loss.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 28 Date: 24 February 1916 |
HOLBROOK, Norman Douglas
Commander Royal Navy Victoria Cross 'On 13 December 1914 at the Dardanelles, Turkey, he performed a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was in command of the submarine HMS B11, an old and obsolete craft built in 1905. Notwithstanding the difficulties of a treacherous current in the Dardanelles, he dived under five rows of mines and torpedoed and sank the Ottoman ironclad Mesûdiye, which was guarding the mine-field. In spite of being attacked by gunfire and torpedo boats, Holbrook succeeded in bringing the B11 back to the Mediterranean, When they got back to safety the B11 had been submerged for nine hours.' |
HOWELL, George Julian
Service No 2445 Lance Corporal 1st Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. Seeing a party of the enemy were likely to outflank his battalion, Corporal Howell, on his own initiative, single handed and exposed to heavy bomb and rifle fire, climbed on to the top of the parapet, and proceeded to bomb the enemy, pressing them back along the trench.Having exhausted his stock of bombs, he continued to attack the enemy with his bayonet. He was then severely wounded. The prompt action and gallant conduct of this non-commissioned officer, in the face of superior numbers, was witnessed by the whole battalion, and greatly inspired them in the subsequent counter attack.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174 Date: 11 October 1917 Military Medal 'At DEMICOURT on 9th April 1917 for courage and devotion to duty displayed while leading his rifle bombing section in the operation against the German position. On several occasions when held up by machine gun fire he overcame the opposition by sound offensive tactics and good use of his weapons, and continued to advance. He, with his section, was in the lead throughout, and was of great assistance to his Company in the capture of its objectives.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 174 Date: 11 October 1917 |
INGRAM, George Morby
Service No 5919 Lieutenant 24th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on Montbrehain, east of Peronne, on 5th October, 1918. When early in the advance his platoon was held up by a strong point, Lieutenant Ingram, without hesitation, dashed out and rushed the post at the head of his men, capturing nine machine guns and killing 42 enemy after stubborn resistance. Later, when the company had suffered severe casualties from enemy posts, and many leaders had fallen, he at once took control of the situation, rallied his men under intense fire, and led them forward. He himself rushed the first post, shot six of the enemy, and captured a machine gun, thus overcoming serious resistance. On two subsequent occasions he again displayed great dash and resource in the capture of enemy posts, inflicting many casualties and taking 62 prisoners. Throughout the whole day he showed the most inspiring example of courage and leadership, and freely exposed himself regardless of danger.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 Military Medal 'On the night of 15th and 16th March this N.C.O. showed great courage and initiative as member of a bombing section. It was mainly owing to the excellent placing of his bombs, that the enemy bombers, who greatly outnumbered our men, were held off. Later when the enemy returned in force this N.C.O. with 2 men covered the retirement of his party, and by deadly sniping held the attackers off thereby averting serious loss to our bombing party.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: 27 August 1917 |
INWOOD, Reginald Roy
Service No 506 Corporal 10th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the advance to the second objective. He moved forward through our barrage alone to an enemy strong post and captured it, together with nine prisoners,killing several of the enemy. During the evening he volunteered for a special all night patrol, which went out 600 yards in front of our line, and there - by his coolness and sound judgement - obtained and sent back very valuable information as to the enemy's movements. In the early morning of the 21st September, Private Inwood located a machine gun which was causing several casualties. He went out alone and bombed the gun and team, killing all but one, whom he brought in as a prisoner with the gun.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7 March 1918 |
JACKA, Albert
Service No 465 Captain 14th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery on the night of the 19th-20th May, 1915, at "Courtney's Post" Gallipoli Peninsula. Lance Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four other men, was heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single handed, and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.' Source: 'London Gazette' No. 7279 Date: 23 July 1915 Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry. He led his platoon against a large number of the enemy, who had counter attacked the battalion on his right. The enemy were driven back some prisoners they had taken were recovered, and 50 of the enemy captured. He was himself wounded in this attack.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: 19 April 1917 Bar to Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out a daring reconnaissance of the enemy's position, and obtained most valuable information. Later, he rendered invaluable assistance in guiding troops to their assembly positions.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 Date: 4 October 1917 |
JACKSON, William
Service No 588 Private 17th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. On the return from a successful raid, several members of the raiding party were seriously wounded in "No Man's Land" by shell fire. Private Jackson got back safely and, after handing over a prisoner whom he had brought in, immediately went out again under very heavy shell fire and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing another wounded man when his arm was blown off by a shell and the sergeant was rendered unconscious. He then returned to our trenches, obtained assistance, and went out again to look for his two wounded comrades. He set a splendid example of pluck and determination. His work has always been marked by the greatest coolness and bravery.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 |
JEFFRIES, Clarence Smith
Captain 34th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when his company was held up by enemy machine gun fire from concrete emplacements. Organising a party, he rushed one emplacement, capturing four machine guns and 35 prisoners. He then led his company forward under extremely heavy enemy artillery barrage and enfilade machine gun fire to the objective. Later, he again organised a successful attack on a machine gun emplacement, capturing two machine guns and thirty more prisoners. This gallant officer was killed during the attack, but it was entirely due to his bravery and initiative that the centre of the attack was not held up for a lengthy period. His example had a most inspiring influence.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 Date: 18 April 1918 |
JENSEN, Jorgen Christian
Service No 2389 Corporal 50th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when, with five comrades, he attacked a barricade, behind which were about 45 of the enemy and a machine gun. One of his party shot the gunner, and Private Jensen, single handed, rushed the post, and threw in a bomb. He had still a bomb in one hand, but taking another from his pocket with the other hand he drew the pin with his teeth, and by threatening the enemy with two bombs and by telling them that they were surrounded, he induced them to surrender. Private Jensen then sent one of his prisoners to order a neighbouring enemy party to surrender, which they did. This latter party was then fired on in ignorance of their surrender by another party of our troops, whereupon Private Jensen, utterly regardless of personal danger, stood on the barricade, waved his helmet caused the firing to cease, and sent his prisoners back to our lines. Private Jensen's conduct throughout was marked by extraordinary bravery and determination.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |
JOYNT, William Donovan
Captain 8th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the attack on Herleville Wood, near Chuignes, Peronne, on 23rd August, 1918. His company commander, having been killed early in the advance, he immediately took charge of the company, which he led with courage and skill. On approaching Herleville Wood, the troops of the leading battalion which his battalion was supporting, suffered very heavy casualties and were much shaken. Lieutenant Joynt, grasping the situation, rushed forward under very heavy machine gun and artillery fire, collected and reorganised the remnant of the battalion, and kept them under cover pending the arrival of his own company. He then made a personal reconnaissance and found that the fire from the wood was checking the whole advance and causing heavy casualties to troops on his flanks. Dashing out in font of his men, he inspired and led a magnificent frontal bayonet attack on the wood. The enemy were staggered by this sudden onslaught, and a very critical situation was saved. Later at Plateau Wood, this very gallant officer again, with a small party of volunteers, rendered invaluable service, and after severe hand to hand fighting turned a stubborn defence into an abject surrender. His valour and determination was conspicuous throughout, and he continued to do magnificent work until badly wounded by a shell.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36 Date: 14 March 1919 |
The Victoria Cross is the most highly prized decoration in the British Empire, lt can be won by all ranks in the Navy, Army and Air Force, and is only conferred upon men who, by conspicuous gallantry, distinguished themselves above their comrades. In a series of articles "Repat" will deal with some of the picturesque figures who won the Cross in the Wars of the Empire. TN the last hundred days of the Great War, the five Australian divisions were part of the Fourth British Army.
The gallantry of the Fourth Army was such that Victoria Crosses were won at the rate of one every second day. In other words, fifty Victoria Crosses were awarded in the Fourth Army during that period. Of these, two were awarded to officers of the Royal Air Force, eighteen to men from Imperial Regiments, ten to Canadians and twenty to Australians. Every one was richly deserved, as is always the case with the V.C. It is a matter for sincere regret that many of the brave men whose names were to be included among Victoria Cross winners gave their lives at the time of their valiant deeds.
The day on which Lieutenant "Fat" McCarthy of the 16th won his Cross, an officer of the 8th Battalion was also to act with valour, and to be similarly
awarded. His name is one well known in Melbourne, William Donovan Joynt. Two brothers offered themselves for service abroad in the Great War. One was a captain in the Citizen Forces and a married man with a child-the other volunteered as a private in the infantry. What was fate to hold in store for them!
Captain "Jerry" Joynt as a lieutenant (retaining his captaincy as an honorary rank) was killed at Polygon Wood in France in September of 1916 as a
company commander of the 57th Battalion. His brother, William Donovan Joynt (ordinarily known by his middle name) who was born on March 19, 1889, at Elsternwick, Victoria, was destined to win the Empire's highest award in the field. Donovan Joynt went into the military camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria, in May, 1915, and in due course was sent to an officers' school. After graduation he was appointed to a commision and in the
early part of 1916 embarked with reinforcements. He reported in Egypt to the 2nd Training Battalion, which was then at Tel-el-Kebir, and afterwards
embarked for France with the first reinforcements that the 8th Battalion was to receive in that country. His admittance to the battalion was both dramatic and humorous. He was told to wait till the unit came out of the battle-area, and returned disconsolately to the advanced base, but decided to try again. This he did, and now was determined not to disclose that he was a reinforcement and, therefore, simply asked where his battalion was. On receiving directions he noted that a staff car had just pulled up at the headquarters of the First Australian Division, and did the obvious thing. He climbed in and told the soldier-driver to take him to Pozieres. What the general said when he came to look for his car is not recorded. The car drove on till shell-holes prevented it going further. He reported to Second Brigade headquarters, and was severely strafed by the brigade major for not being with his regiment, as every officer was needed. Grinning to himself that it had not been observed that he had not been with the battalion before, he went his way to report to his battalion commander, and found him at Gibraltar, none which was the only thing standing in the vicinity and received its name because it was rock-like and appeared to be indestructible. The battalion was a couple of hundred yards beyond Pozieres, and the battle was at its height. His instructions then were to join "B" Company. He did. It consisted of a little over a dozen men in a shell-hole. Soon four of them were to
be hit by a shell, and another four were to suffer a similar fate. In due course the remnants of his company were linked with another. In September of 1916, Lieutenant Joynt was wounded in the shoulder in a raid at the Bluff near Ypres, and went to Blighty. For his work on this occasion he was mentioned in divisional orders. Rejoining the battalion, he spent the winter of 1916-17 with it on the Somme, and from then on never missed an
engagement until he was wounded in the affair which was to bring to him the Victoria Cross.
It will be recalled that Major-General (as he was then) Sir John Monash relinquished command of the Third Division, A.I.F., and on May 30, 1918, took over the Australian Army Corps. Since the ending of the fighting around Passchendaele in the autumn of 1917 there had been no offensive action of any size by the Allies, and the initiative was taken by Sir John and his Australian troops. The successful battle of Hamel was the start of a series of glorious achievements. On August 8, 1918, the five Australian divisions were united for the first time in an assault. Success crowned their efforts. After Hamel, the advance was through Warfusee " and Abancourt, then past Bayonvillers, Morcourt, Harbonnieres and Vauvillers, finishing beyond Chipilly,
Mericourt, Framerville, Rainecourt and Lihons.
On August 21, the corps frontage was almost ten miles long. The Fourth Australian Division had the area from Lihons to its junction with the 32nd British Division (which was part of the corps) opposite Herleville. The Fifth Australian Division was in front of Proyart and the Third Australian Division was on the north of the river Somme. The corps reserve consisted of the First and Second Australian Divisions. Arrangements were made for the shortening of the Australian line to about 7,000 yards, and for an attack on the following general basis. "The 32nd Division would attack with one infantry brigade, under a barrage, on a frontage of 1,000 yards; the capture of the village of Herleville, which was still strongly held by the enemy, being the principal objective. The First Australian Division would attack on a frontage of 4,500 yards, with two brigades in line, and one brigade in
reserve. The attack would be carried out in three phases. The first phase was a normal assault, under an artillery barrage and with the assistance of tanks, to a predetermined line beyond the Chuignes Valley; the second phase was in the nature of exploitation by the two line brigades, but was expressly limited to a maximum distance of 1,000 yards beyond the main first objective. The third phase was to be contingent upon the complete success of the preceding phase, and would consist of an advance by the reserve brigade for a further exploitation of success by the seizure of the whole of the Cappy bend of the river Somme, including the towering hill close to the Somme canal known as Froissy Beacon." This action was completely successful, and to addition to the ground won, many prisoners and much material were captured. So far as the Second Brigade was concerned, two battalions were forward with the other two in reserve. At daybreak the attack had developed, and the two supporting battalions were digging in a thousand yards in rear of those that at the moment were bearing the brunt of the fighting. Donovan Joynt, sensing that the attack had not gone according to schedule, moved ahead of his unit and down into the valley. In one escapade, Captain H. F. Darby (who is now a major and ractising as an accountant to Melbourne) gave splendid assistance. It was arranged that fire should be concentrated on the right edge of a wood from where the enemy was holding up the attack, and while Captain Darby was doing this, Joynt planned to move around to the flank with as many men as he could muster and, while Captain Darby's fire engaged their attention, rush m. Twenty minutes he considered sufficient for this to be carried out. Lieutenant Joynt had set himself a stiff problem, and his little command had many exciting adventures, and a brother officer, Lieutenant McGinn, was exceedingly helpful. Having bombed their way up a trench, Joynt and McGinn, with their two batmen, went ahead to reconnoitre the approach to the wood as a prelude to their attack. They reached a trench wide enough to be regarded as a sunken road, and came across a post with forty enemy troops whom they proceeded to bomb out. This succeeded, but suddenly a body of twenty Germans appeared, carrying their rifles at the high port-they were within a few feet. Their surrender was taken through Joynt's impetuous action. The prisoners were handed over to two men who had come forward, and the officers and their batmen continued with their reconnaissance. The prisoners' escorts were instructed to send up Lieutenant McGinn's platoon, which was still- awaiting orders. On they came, with a few other men who had joined them. Being satisfied that it could be taken
with a sufficiently determined effort, and it being evident that Captain Darby had effectively encouraged the enemy to pay complete attention to him, Joynt, Mc Ginn and their men charged and the wood was no longer a problem. Having got to the wood, Lieutenant Joynt sent back for the remainder of his company and established contact with the battalions on either flank. This operation, which takes so little time to tell, was really a series of stubborn fights and, in addition to the prisoners, two field guns, which are now in Australia, and many machine guns were taken. Other field guns were so damaged as to be immovable. The value of this practical use of initiative by Lieutenant Joynt was that the whole attacking force could move forward. This .was done, and the objectives, so clearly defined in the operation orders, were taken. Though the wound which Lieutenant Joynt received (in the Germans' counter attack) precluded him from returning to his battalion, he has since completely recovered, and is now a resident of Hawthorn, Victoria, and conducting a business known as Colarts Studios Pty., Ltd. (commercial artists, engravers and general printers) in Melbourne.
Major Joynt, as he is today, spent his school days at "The Grange" and the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. At one period he was on the
land on Flinders Island. Since his return to Australia he was in the City of Melbourne Regiment, but later found it necessary to be placed upon the unattached list of officers. He took an important part in assisting to ensure that Victoria's National War Memorial was of a fitting kind and in a suitable location.
Western Mail Thursday 02 July 1936 page 10
The gallantry of the Fourth Army was such that Victoria Crosses were won at the rate of one every second day. In other words, fifty Victoria Crosses were awarded in the Fourth Army during that period. Of these, two were awarded to officers of the Royal Air Force, eighteen to men from Imperial Regiments, ten to Canadians and twenty to Australians. Every one was richly deserved, as is always the case with the V.C. It is a matter for sincere regret that many of the brave men whose names were to be included among Victoria Cross winners gave their lives at the time of their valiant deeds.
The day on which Lieutenant "Fat" McCarthy of the 16th won his Cross, an officer of the 8th Battalion was also to act with valour, and to be similarly
awarded. His name is one well known in Melbourne, William Donovan Joynt. Two brothers offered themselves for service abroad in the Great War. One was a captain in the Citizen Forces and a married man with a child-the other volunteered as a private in the infantry. What was fate to hold in store for them!
Captain "Jerry" Joynt as a lieutenant (retaining his captaincy as an honorary rank) was killed at Polygon Wood in France in September of 1916 as a
company commander of the 57th Battalion. His brother, William Donovan Joynt (ordinarily known by his middle name) who was born on March 19, 1889, at Elsternwick, Victoria, was destined to win the Empire's highest award in the field. Donovan Joynt went into the military camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria, in May, 1915, and in due course was sent to an officers' school. After graduation he was appointed to a commision and in the
early part of 1916 embarked with reinforcements. He reported in Egypt to the 2nd Training Battalion, which was then at Tel-el-Kebir, and afterwards
embarked for France with the first reinforcements that the 8th Battalion was to receive in that country. His admittance to the battalion was both dramatic and humorous. He was told to wait till the unit came out of the battle-area, and returned disconsolately to the advanced base, but decided to try again. This he did, and now was determined not to disclose that he was a reinforcement and, therefore, simply asked where his battalion was. On receiving directions he noted that a staff car had just pulled up at the headquarters of the First Australian Division, and did the obvious thing. He climbed in and told the soldier-driver to take him to Pozieres. What the general said when he came to look for his car is not recorded. The car drove on till shell-holes prevented it going further. He reported to Second Brigade headquarters, and was severely strafed by the brigade major for not being with his regiment, as every officer was needed. Grinning to himself that it had not been observed that he had not been with the battalion before, he went his way to report to his battalion commander, and found him at Gibraltar, none which was the only thing standing in the vicinity and received its name because it was rock-like and appeared to be indestructible. The battalion was a couple of hundred yards beyond Pozieres, and the battle was at its height. His instructions then were to join "B" Company. He did. It consisted of a little over a dozen men in a shell-hole. Soon four of them were to
be hit by a shell, and another four were to suffer a similar fate. In due course the remnants of his company were linked with another. In September of 1916, Lieutenant Joynt was wounded in the shoulder in a raid at the Bluff near Ypres, and went to Blighty. For his work on this occasion he was mentioned in divisional orders. Rejoining the battalion, he spent the winter of 1916-17 with it on the Somme, and from then on never missed an
engagement until he was wounded in the affair which was to bring to him the Victoria Cross.
It will be recalled that Major-General (as he was then) Sir John Monash relinquished command of the Third Division, A.I.F., and on May 30, 1918, took over the Australian Army Corps. Since the ending of the fighting around Passchendaele in the autumn of 1917 there had been no offensive action of any size by the Allies, and the initiative was taken by Sir John and his Australian troops. The successful battle of Hamel was the start of a series of glorious achievements. On August 8, 1918, the five Australian divisions were united for the first time in an assault. Success crowned their efforts. After Hamel, the advance was through Warfusee " and Abancourt, then past Bayonvillers, Morcourt, Harbonnieres and Vauvillers, finishing beyond Chipilly,
Mericourt, Framerville, Rainecourt and Lihons.
On August 21, the corps frontage was almost ten miles long. The Fourth Australian Division had the area from Lihons to its junction with the 32nd British Division (which was part of the corps) opposite Herleville. The Fifth Australian Division was in front of Proyart and the Third Australian Division was on the north of the river Somme. The corps reserve consisted of the First and Second Australian Divisions. Arrangements were made for the shortening of the Australian line to about 7,000 yards, and for an attack on the following general basis. "The 32nd Division would attack with one infantry brigade, under a barrage, on a frontage of 1,000 yards; the capture of the village of Herleville, which was still strongly held by the enemy, being the principal objective. The First Australian Division would attack on a frontage of 4,500 yards, with two brigades in line, and one brigade in
reserve. The attack would be carried out in three phases. The first phase was a normal assault, under an artillery barrage and with the assistance of tanks, to a predetermined line beyond the Chuignes Valley; the second phase was in the nature of exploitation by the two line brigades, but was expressly limited to a maximum distance of 1,000 yards beyond the main first objective. The third phase was to be contingent upon the complete success of the preceding phase, and would consist of an advance by the reserve brigade for a further exploitation of success by the seizure of the whole of the Cappy bend of the river Somme, including the towering hill close to the Somme canal known as Froissy Beacon." This action was completely successful, and to addition to the ground won, many prisoners and much material were captured. So far as the Second Brigade was concerned, two battalions were forward with the other two in reserve. At daybreak the attack had developed, and the two supporting battalions were digging in a thousand yards in rear of those that at the moment were bearing the brunt of the fighting. Donovan Joynt, sensing that the attack had not gone according to schedule, moved ahead of his unit and down into the valley. In one escapade, Captain H. F. Darby (who is now a major and ractising as an accountant to Melbourne) gave splendid assistance. It was arranged that fire should be concentrated on the right edge of a wood from where the enemy was holding up the attack, and while Captain Darby was doing this, Joynt planned to move around to the flank with as many men as he could muster and, while Captain Darby's fire engaged their attention, rush m. Twenty minutes he considered sufficient for this to be carried out. Lieutenant Joynt had set himself a stiff problem, and his little command had many exciting adventures, and a brother officer, Lieutenant McGinn, was exceedingly helpful. Having bombed their way up a trench, Joynt and McGinn, with their two batmen, went ahead to reconnoitre the approach to the wood as a prelude to their attack. They reached a trench wide enough to be regarded as a sunken road, and came across a post with forty enemy troops whom they proceeded to bomb out. This succeeded, but suddenly a body of twenty Germans appeared, carrying their rifles at the high port-they were within a few feet. Their surrender was taken through Joynt's impetuous action. The prisoners were handed over to two men who had come forward, and the officers and their batmen continued with their reconnaissance. The prisoners' escorts were instructed to send up Lieutenant McGinn's platoon, which was still- awaiting orders. On they came, with a few other men who had joined them. Being satisfied that it could be taken
with a sufficiently determined effort, and it being evident that Captain Darby had effectively encouraged the enemy to pay complete attention to him, Joynt, Mc Ginn and their men charged and the wood was no longer a problem. Having got to the wood, Lieutenant Joynt sent back for the remainder of his company and established contact with the battalions on either flank. This operation, which takes so little time to tell, was really a series of stubborn fights and, in addition to the prisoners, two field guns, which are now in Australia, and many machine guns were taken. Other field guns were so damaged as to be immovable. The value of this practical use of initiative by Lieutenant Joynt was that the whole attacking force could move forward. This .was done, and the objectives, so clearly defined in the operation orders, were taken. Though the wound which Lieutenant Joynt received (in the Germans' counter attack) precluded him from returning to his battalion, he has since completely recovered, and is now a resident of Hawthorn, Victoria, and conducting a business known as Colarts Studios Pty., Ltd. (commercial artists, engravers and general printers) in Melbourne.
Major Joynt, as he is today, spent his school days at "The Grange" and the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. At one period he was on the
land on Flinders Island. Since his return to Australia he was in the City of Melbourne Regiment, but later found it necessary to be placed upon the unattached list of officers. He took an important part in assisting to ensure that Victoria's National War Memorial was of a fitting kind and in a suitable location.
Western Mail Thursday 02 July 1936 page 10
KENNY, Thomas James Bede
Service No 4195 Corporal 2nd Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when his platoon was held up by an enemy strong point, and severe casualties prevented progress. Private Kenny, under very heavy fire at close range, dashed alone towards the enemy's position, killed one man in advance of the strong point who endeavoured to bar his way. He then bombed the position, captured the gun crew, all of whom he had wounded, killed an officer who showed fight, and seized the gun. Private Kenny's gallant action enabled his platoon to occupy the position, which was of great local importance.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 Date: 4 October 1917 |
KEYZOR, Leonard
Service No 958 Lieutenant 42nd Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Lone Pine trenches, in the Gallipoli Peninsula. On 7th August, 1915, he was in a trench which was being heavily bombed by the enemy. He picked up two live bombs and threw them back at the enemy at great risk to his own life, and continued throwing bombs, although himself wounded, thereby saving a portion of the trench which it was most important to hold. On 8th August, at the same place, Private Keysor successfully bombed the enemy out of of a position, from which a temporary mastery over his own trench had been obtained, and was again wounded. Although marked for hospital, he declined to leave, and volunteered to throw bombs for another company which had lost its bomb throwers. He continued to bomb the enemy till the situation was relieved.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' Date: 24 February 1916 |
LEAK, John
Service No 2053 Private 9th Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. He was one of a party which finally captured an enemy strong point. At one assault, when the enemy's bombs were out-ranging ours, Private Leak jumped out of the trench, ran forward under heavy machine gun fire at close range, and threw three bombs into the enemy's bombing post. He then jumped into the post and bayoneted three un-wounded enemy bombers. Later, when the enemy in overwhelming numbers was driving his party back he was always the last to withdraw at each stage, and kept on throwing bombs. His courage and energy had such an effect on the enemy that, on the arrival of reinforcements, the whole trench was recaptured.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 |
LOWERSON, Albert David
Service no 2358 Sergeant 21st Battalion Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and tactical skill on the 1st September, 1918, during the attack on Mt. St. Quentin, north of Peronne, when very strong opposition was met with early in the attack, and every foot of ground was stubbornly contested by the enemy. Regardless of heavy enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Lowerson moved about fearlessly directing his men, encouraging them to still greater effort, and finally led them on to the objective. On reaching the objective he saw that the left attacking party was held up by an enemy strong post heavily manned with twelve machine guns. Under the heaviest sniping and machine gun fire, Sergeant Lowerson rallied seven men as a storming party, and directing them to attack the flanks of the post, rushed the strong point, and, by effective bombing, captured it, together with twelve machine guns and thirty prisoners. Though severely wounded in the right thigh, he refused to leave the front line until the prisoners had been disposed of, and the organisation and consolidation of the post had been thoroughly completed. Throughout a week of operations, his leadership and example had a continual influence on the men serving under him, whilst his prompt and effective action at a critical juncture allowed the forward movement to be carried on without delay, thus ensuring the success of the attack.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919 |