THE BATTLE OF MONTBREHAIN, FRANCE
Lt Reginald Farndon MC (Mt Dandenong), 24th Battalion: Is awarded the Military Cross for a second time for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘During the attack on Montbrehain, east of Peronne, on 5th October 1918, he, as signalling officer, established communication forward to the jumping off tape at zero hour. Shortly afterwards, he personally reconnoitred a route under heavy fire and laid wires right up to the forward line of posts. He then established two report centres, and, by the effective communication thus obtained, got back information of the utmost importance to his commanding officer. Throughout he showed great gallantry and energy’.
Lt George Ingram (Seville), 24th Battalion: For his actions on this day, George Ingram is awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry under enemy fire, and the only recipient of this award from the Shire of Lillydale. His recommendation states: ‘For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on Montbrebain, east of Peronne, on this day. 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 forty-two 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 sixty-two prisoners. Throughout the whole day he showed the most inspiring example of courage and leadership, and freely exposed himself regardless of danger’.
Pte Walter Leach (Gruyere), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 23 years old and is buried at the cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux, France.
Pte Ebenezer Gray (Seville), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wounds to the buttocks, and is evacuated to hospital in England.
During the last stages of the war one of the deadliest dangers to those serving was the Spanish Influenza pandemic. At the time it started there was no cure for it and it soon spread amongst the troops who were in close contact in large numbers. Then with the movement of troops all over the world it was spread to almost every country. By the time it was eventually contained it had killed more people than the First World War had.