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Enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) as a private in the 16th Battalion.
This was the beginning of his military career. -
Landed at Gallipoli as part of a machine-gun crew.
He fought in one of the most important and dangerous campaigns of World War I. -
Promoted to Sergeant, commissioned as Second Lieutenant, and transferred to the 13th Battalion.
He quickly rose through the ranks during active service. -
Arrived in France with the 13th Battalion to fight on the Western Front.
A major shift from Gallipoli to the brutal trench warfare in France. -
Wounded at Mouquet Farm and awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for bravery and leadership.
One of his first major awards for courage in battle -
Led the attack on Stormy Trench and awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery.
This made him one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers -
Took part in the attack on the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt and received a Bar to his DSO.
This was his second DSO for exceptional leadership. -
Promoted to Temporary Lieutenant Colonel and made commanding officer of the 4th Machine Gun Battalion.
He now led a major unit during critical stages of the war. -
Awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for his war service.
Another high honour for his leadership and contribution to the war effort. -
Returned to serve in World War II, leading units again despite already being a decorated war veteran.
He continued serving his country into a second major conflict.