World War I ServiceHonours and AwardsLieutenant Charles William STOERKEL (48th Battalion AIF) was the most highly decorated farm apprentice. He received the Military Cross, a Bar to his Military Cross and was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal (but was mentioned in the despatches instead). Distinguished Conduct Medal Recommendation (Mention in Despatches)As Signalling Corporal his work since arrival in FRANCE has been of a most energetic and painstaking nature, and he has been untiring in his zeal for efficiency. During the two periods in which the Battalion was in the front line at POZIERES (August 5th to 8th and 13th to 15th August [1916]) he rendered excellent service in maintaining communications under heavy fire, having frequently to repair lines under enemy barrage. |
Portrait of Stoerkel
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Military Cross Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during attack on final objective East of MESSINES on June 7th 1917. This brave officer gallantly led several fighting patrols and made important reconnaissances of enemy positions under heavy Machine Gun and Artillery fire and even when severely wounded sent in a report of the situation.
Bar to Military Cross Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on 3rd May, 1918. When in charge of a "mopping up" party this Officer led his men with great coolness and gallantry through a terrific machine gun barrage and gained his objective. After clearing the cellars and houses of the enemy and despatching to the rear prisoners taken, he discovered that he was almost cut off, but by skilful manoeuvring of his men and use of his machine guns he succeeded in getting back through the enemy, withdrawing his men with very few losses. The thoroughness with which he executed his task in the attack and the dexterity with which he handled his party in the face of appalling odds were magnificent and his own gallant bearing was an inspiration to the men under this command which was reflected on their grand work.
The
Australian War Memorial has Stoerkel's medals
on display in Anzac Hall and holds a personal letter of
congratulations to Stoerkel from the then commander of the Australian
forces,
General Birdwood. With the assistance of lawyer
Arthur Blackburn VC, Stoerkel changed his surname to Tanner after returning to South
Australia in 1920 and moved interstate.
^
Stoerkel's medals
(courtesy
Australian War Memorial,
ref. REL/14389.004).
Military Medals
Four apprentices — Corporal George Frederick CLARKE, Privates Herbert Gaythorne HUDSON, Herbert Leo JARRETT and Lovell THORNBY — received Military Medals with the following citations. Ernest Abram GARNER also received a mention in dispatches.
Clarke (10th Battalion)
For very gallant and fearless conduct in the operations before Lihons on 10/12th August. He led his Lewis gun section with great courage and determination. At least 2 enemy machine gun crews were shot down by his section and the guns captured and turned on the enemy. His conduct throughout was admirable and deserving of the highest praise.
Hudson (16th Battalion)
This man is brought to notice for his gallant conduct during operations against VAIRE and HAMEL Woods, west of CORBIE, on the morning of 4th July 1918. He was one of the party sent forward with the attacking waves to establish a forward Battalion and Report Centre and Signal Station. The non-commissioned Officer in charge of the party early became a casualty. This man immediately took charge and carried on, and on his own initiative sent back messages by Runner and Visual reporting the progress of the attack. In order to establish visual communication he had to take up a very exposed position. This he did without regard to the personal danger involved. Throughout a long period of service with the Battalion, he has shown a cheerful devotion to duty; often under very adverse circumstances, which has had a marked effect on the spirit of his comrades. He is strongly recommended for distinction.
HL Jarrett (13th Australian Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps)
On the 5th April 1918, Pte McKillop, Pte Welsh and Pte Jarrett formed a stretcher squad and were stationed at an RAP [Regimental Aid Post] when a heavy enemy barrage closed down on the area prior to an enemy attack. The barrage was so severe that troops moving up to support were held back for the time, and all traffic in the area suspended. Meanwhile a congestion of casualties was occurring at the RAP and wounded were accumulating in a dangerous area without shelter. These men volunteered to attempt to carry back through the intense shell and machine gun fire. Contrary to all expectation, they successfully accomplished their journey. Their gallant action set a high standard of morale, and the evacuation of casualties back went on rapidly from this time.
Thornby (16th Battalion)
Is strongly recommended for distinction for the work done by him during the operations 28/30th August [1916]. He acted as a runner between advanced Brigade Headquarters and the Quarry, and between the QUARRY and the Companies detailed for the assault. In the execution of his duties he had repeatedly to go through heavy enemy barrages and heavy Machine Gun fire. He patrolled NO MAN'S LAND between points 54 and 81 after the assault on the first named place had failed. This was a very hazardous undertaking requiring great courage, for which he volunteered. Near MOUQUET FARM.