George Chistopher Dalziell DCM

George Chistopher Dalziell DCM

from left Walter, George, Ernest
Personal Information
Date of Birth	27 Sep 1896
Place of Birth	Perth, Western Australia
Death	22 Nov 1986, aged 90
Place of Death	Beverley, Western Australia
Age at Enlistment	18 years, 9 months
Occupation	Basket maker
Religion	Methodist
Address	Attfield street, Maddington, Western Australia
Next of Kin	Father , Mr Walter Parahan Dalziell
Military Information
Reg Number	2626
Date of Enlistment	17 Jun 1915
Rank	Sergeant
Unit/Formation	16th Battalion, 8th Reinforcements
Date of Embarkation	2 Sep 1915 ‒ ?? Sep 1915
Ship Embarked On	HMAT A68 Anchises
Date of Return	28 Feb 1919 ‒ 7 Apr 1919
Ship Returned On	HMAT A68 Anchises disembarked in Albany
Fate	Wounded in action 10 Aug 1916 Poziéres Wounded in action 11 Apr 1917 1st Bullecourt Returned to Australia
Monument	Gosnells Road Board Honour Roll
Medals	Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal

Pre War

The second of eight children born to Walter Parkham Dalziell and Lillie Jane Capron. George was engaged as a basket maker prior to enlistment and had been serving in the 88th (Perth) Infantry unit.

War Service

On 2 Sep 1915 George, along with the rest of the 8th reinforcements to the 16th Battalion sailed from Fremantle aboard HMAT A68 Anchises on 2 Sep 1915 for Egypt. Following some training he sailed from Alexandria for Gallipoli on 18 Oct 1915 aboard HMT Kalyan. Taken on strength by the 16th Battalion on 23 Oct 1915 at Mudros on Lemnos Island where they were resting and rebuilding. They returned to Gallipoli on 31 Oct 1915, before entering the line on Aghyl Dere. George was appointed Lance Corporal on 9 Nov 1915 in the field. On 11 Dec 1915, two days before the first snow fell, George was in need of medical help and the next day boarded HMHS Oxfordshire for Egypt where on 15 Dec 1915 he was admitted to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital suffering with diarrhoea. Released to a base depot in Ghezireh on 22 Dec 1915 he was held there until he travelled to Zeitoun on 5 Feb 1916 to rejoin his unit, which he finally did on 9 Mar 1916. He was promoted to Corporal on 22 Mar 1916.

On 1 Jun 1916 the battalion sailed from Alexandria aboard HMT Canada for Marseilles, arriving there on 9 Jun 1916. On 9 Aug 1916 the 16th Battalion moved into the front lines at Poziéres and at midnight attacked and took possession of Circular Trench mid way between Poziéres and Mouquet Farm. The German reaction to losing this strategic ground was to carry out an extremely intense artillery bombardment of the area. George was wounded on 10 Aug 1916, the wound being recorded as shell shock, and he spent three days in the care of the 7th Field Ambulance before being sent to the 1st Anzac Rest Station for a few days after which he rejoined the battalion on 15 Aug 1916.

Wounded in action again on 11 Apr 1917 during the 1st Bullecourt battle, seemingly quite minor in nature as he rejoined the battalion on 19 Apr 1917. George was promoted Temporary Sergeant on 6 Jun 1917, before being detached to the 4th Training Battalion at Codford in England on 3 Oct 1917 having successfully attended a course at the Southern Command Bomb School at Lyndhurst - qualifying as an Instructor. Between 31 Dec 1917 and 19 Jan 1918 George attended a Drill course in Chelsea, and on 31 Mar 1918 he proceeded to France through Dover to rejoin his battalion on 11 Apr 1918. George had another stint as an instructor from 7 Sep 1918 until 27 Sep 1918, this time with the 4th Army Infantry School. On 29 Jan 1919 he returned to England from France and on 28 Feb 1919 he departed for Australia aboard the HMAT A68 Anchises.

George was discharged by the 5th Military District on 3 Jun 1919. During WW2 George enlisted in the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion and was a Warrant Officer Class 2 at time of his discharge.

Award Comment

The nomination is more effusive than the final award:

This Non-Commissioned Officer is brought to notice for continuous gallant work during the period 17 September 1918 - 31 December 1918. Prior to this Battalion's attack against Le Verguier on 18th September 1918 he was entrusted with the duty as Patrol leader and after under most difficult and dangerous circumstances, he obtained very reliable information as to the enemy dispositions which proved invaluable and helped materially in the success of the operation, in which he took part. Again on a previous occasion - August 8th, 1918, when the battalion attacked near Mericourt on the Somme, his work was very fine and daring, and his powers of leadership had great scope as his Platoon Commander was wounded very early in the operation. He took command of the Platoon, and setting a very fine example, led his men to their objective with a minimum of loss. His fine spirit, command and cheerfulness has been a great asset and an example and inspiration to the men of his Company. He is strongly recommended for distinction.

The final award read:

'For gallantry during the period 17 September to 31 December, 1918. Prior to the attack against Le Verguier, on 18 September, when acting as patrol leader, he obtained very reliable information as to the enemy positions, which proved invaluable, and helped materially in the success of the operation, in which he took part. He then led his men to their objective with a minimum of loss.'

Post War

In 1921 George married Laura Shepherd in Maddington. Laura died on 30 Jul 1071, aged 74. During WW2 George served from 12 Jan 11942 until 5 Mar 1946 as a Warrant Officer Class 2 in the 2nd Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps. Electoral Roll entries: 1925 - 1943 Attfield street Maddington, wicker-worker; 1958 - 1977 at 6 Olga road, Maddington wicker-maker; 1980 70 Comer street, Como.