Lawrence Adrian Renou DCM
From Our Contribution
 Western Mail 15 Jun 1917, page 19 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | c1892 |
| Place of Birth | Seymour, Victoria |
| Death | 6 Nov 1916 |
| Place of Death | Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, England |
| Age at Enlistment | 23 years, 1 month |
| Description |
5'6" tall ; 147lbs 66.678 kg ; fair complexion ; grey eyes ; light brown hair |
| Occupation | Civil Engineer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | East Cannington, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr Frederick G Renou |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 1984 |
| Date of Enlistment | 2 Mar 1915 |
| Rank | WO2 Company Sergeant Major |
| Unit/Formation | 11th Battalion, 8 - 12 Reinforcements, to 12th Battalion (Anzac), 52nd Battalion ((France) |
| Date of Embarkation | 22 Nov 1915 ‒ 14 Dec 1915 |
| Ship Embarked On | RMS Mongolia |
| Monument |
Gosnells War Memorial Gosnells Road Board Honour Roll Australian War Memorial |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914-15 Star British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
Had three years prior experience with No 1 Battery, WA Field Artillery
War Service
Lawrence's early records are missing. but he obviously performed well in his initial training and had temporary NCO status in his reinforcement draft.
Taken on strength by the 12th Battalion at Anzac Cove on 12 Jul 1915, Lawrence reverted to the ranks at that time. However, on 27 Jul 1915 he was promoted Corporal, and on 1 Sep 1915 he was promoted again, this time to Sergeant. On 6 Jan 1916 along with the rest of the 12th Battalion he disembarked at Alexandria from HMT Lake Michigan that had transported them back from Lemnos Island.
On 1 Mar 1916 as part of the expansion and reorganisation of the AIF in Egypt, Laurence was transferred to the 52nd Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir. On 12 Mar 1916 he was promoted to Company Sergeant Major. The battalion travelled to Alexandria and on 5 Jun 1916 they boarded HMT Ivernia for Marseilles, arriving there on 12 Jun 1916. A slow train journey to northern France followed, and then a period of adjustment to trench life in one of the quieter sectors.
The 52nd Battalion was a part of the last Australian attempt to take the heavily fortified Mouquet Farm near Poziéres on 3 Sep 1916. The battalion suffered very heavy casualties before it was relieved by the 1st Canadian Battalion on 5 Sep 1916, and it would seem that it was during this relief period that Laurence was wounded - a bullet wound to the face near the eyes. Treated by the 2nd Canadian Field Ambulance, he was admitted to the 49th Casualty Clearing Station on 5 Sep 1918, where he was assessed and then placed on No 12 Ambulance Train for Rouen where he was admitted to the 6th General Hospital on 8 Sep 1916.
Requiring further treatment, on 24 Sep 1916 he was embarked on HMHS Western Australia for England, and on arrival the next day (25 Sep 1916) he was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley. After a lengthy stay, he finally succumbed to his wounds at 3:30pm on 6 Nov 1916. Buried the next day in the Netley Military Cemetery, in Grave No 1872.
Award Comment
Distinguished Conduct Medal
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out patrol work during heavy bombardment. Later, in order to build a barricade, he filled sandbags for one and a half hours under very heavy fire. He showed a splendid example of courage and determination throughout.”[1][2][3]