"Sunshine passes, Shadows fall. Love and Remembrance outlasts all"
McDERMOTT, Frederick John
Awarded Military Medal
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at DERNANCOURT South West of ALBERT on 5th April 1918 during heavy enemy attack, he took a Lewis Gun to a very exposed position where he could enfilade enemy at close quarters up to 30 yards. he maintained his gun until ti was pierced by a bullet, then crawled 300 yards, got another gun and returned to his post in "No Man's Land" where he was responsible for many dead. Later during our counter-attack he organised a platoon after the officer was killed and led them in the attack. He is absolutely fearless and his contempt of danger is amazing as right throughout his conduct has been of a similar high standard.'
Awarded Victoria Cross
'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when the enemy attacked our line, and his first wave succeeded in gaining an entrance. Sergeant McDougall, who was at a post in a flank company, realized the situation, and at once charged the enemy's second wave single handed with rifle and bayonet killing seven and capturing a machine gun which they had. This he turned on to them, firing from the hip, causing many casualties and routing the wave. He then turned his attention to those who had entered, until his ammunition ran out, all the time fiing at close quarters, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and one enemy officer, who was just about to kill one of our officers. He used a Lewis gun on the enemy, killing many, and enabling us to capture 33 prisoners. The prompt action of this non-commissioned officer saved the line and enabled the enemy's advance to be stopped.'
Returned to Australia 11 October 1918 per 'Medic'
Tasmania Weekly Courier 09 May 1918 Insert 4
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at DERNANCOURT South West of ALBERT on 5th April 1918 during heavy enemy attack, he took a Lewis Gun to a very exposed position where he could enfilade enemy at close quarters up to 30 yards. he maintained his gun until ti was pierced by a bullet, then crawled 300 yards, got another gun and returned to his post in "No Man's Land" where he was responsible for many dead. Later during our counter-attack he organised a platoon after the officer was killed and led them in the attack. He is absolutely fearless and his contempt of danger is amazing as right throughout his conduct has been of a similar high standard.'
Awarded Victoria Cross
'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when the enemy attacked our line, and his first wave succeeded in gaining an entrance. Sergeant McDougall, who was at a post in a flank company, realized the situation, and at once charged the enemy's second wave single handed with rifle and bayonet killing seven and capturing a machine gun which they had. This he turned on to them, firing from the hip, causing many casualties and routing the wave. He then turned his attention to those who had entered, until his ammunition ran out, all the time fiing at close quarters, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and one enemy officer, who was just about to kill one of our officers. He used a Lewis gun on the enemy, killing many, and enabling us to capture 33 prisoners. The prompt action of this non-commissioned officer saved the line and enabled the enemy's advance to be stopped.'
Returned to Australia 11 October 1918 per 'Medic'
Tasmania Weekly Courier 09 May 1918 Insert 4
McGARRY, William Thomas
McGEE, Lewis V.C.Service no 456
Sergeant 40th Battalion Born 13 May 1888 at Campbell Town, Tasmania Son of John McGEE & Mary nee GREEN Husband of Eileen Rose McGEE Of Avoca, Tas. Occupation prior to enlistment Engine Driver Enlisted 01 March 1916 Served on Western Front Awarded Victoria Cross Killed in action 12 October 1917 Aged 29 years Buried Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium www.awm.gov.au A02623 Grave photograph courtesy of Beth Page |
Victoria Cross
'For most conspicuous bravery when, in the advance to the final objective, Sergeant McGee led his platoon with great dash and bravery, though strongly opposed, and under heavy shell fire. His platoon was sufferring severely, and the advance of the company was stopped by machine gun fire from a "pill box" post. Single handed, Sergeant McGee rushed the post armed only with a revolver. He shot some of the crew, and captured the rest, and thus enabled the advance to poceed. He reorganized the remanants of his platoon and was foremost in the remainder of the advance; and during consolidation of the position, he did splendid work. The non-commissioned officer's coolness and bravery were conspicuous, and contributed largely to the success of the company's operations Sergeant McGee was subsequently killed in action.'
'For most conspicuous bravery when, in the advance to the final objective, Sergeant McGee led his platoon with great dash and bravery, though strongly opposed, and under heavy shell fire. His platoon was sufferring severely, and the advance of the company was stopped by machine gun fire from a "pill box" post. Single handed, Sergeant McGee rushed the post armed only with a revolver. He shot some of the crew, and captured the rest, and thus enabled the advance to poceed. He reorganized the remanants of his platoon and was foremost in the remainder of the advance; and during consolidation of the position, he did splendid work. The non-commissioned officer's coolness and bravery were conspicuous, and contributed largely to the success of the company's operations Sergeant McGee was subsequently killed in action.'