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War Memorial
Australia

Son of Fredk Sternbeck, Glenwilliam, Clarencetown, New South Wales

Private Herbert Reginald Sternbeck, of the 35th Battalion, who was decorated with the D.C.M. in the Sydney Domain, by the  Governor-Gene ral on Monday morning is said to be the youngest member of the A.I.F. if not of the whole of the British forces, to win this distinction. At the time of enlisting he was only 15 1/2 years of age. He left Sydney on May 1st, 1916, and saw service in France, winning his decoration in the big charge on Messines on June 7, 1917, when not 17 years of age. The official report said : "For conspicuous gallantry in rushing an enemy machine gun, killing four of the gunners, and capturing the gun, thus enabling the company to advance, and saving many casualties."

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, in rushing an enemy machine gun position single handed, killing two gunners and capturing the gun. His prompt and gallant action enabled our men to advance, and also saved a number of lives, as the gun was causing heavy casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 219
Date: 20 December 1917

STERNBECK.—The Funeral of the late Sergeant Herbert Reginald Sternbeck will leave Fry Bros Chapel, West Maitland, Tomorrow (Saturday) Afternoon at 2 o'clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Glen William. Walter Bruce Funeral Director, 244 Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest, in conjunction with Fry Bros, West Maitland.

DEATH OF OLD BROKE
IDENTITY
Recently, in Sydney, the death occurred of an old Broke identity, Detective Sergeant Herbert Reginald Sternbeck, eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Sternbeck. Deceased was educated at Broke public school, being a brilliant scholar. At 16 years of age, he enlisted for service in the Great War, won the Military Medal, and had the distinction of being the youngest in the Empire with the decoration.
On his return, deceased joined the Mounted Police and was stationed at Hay, where he married. His rise in the service was rapid, and he was soon in Sydney to be promoted to Detective-Sergeant. Deceased always held an affectionate regard for his old school, and has been known to divert from Maitland on journeys north to visit again the scenes of his student days. There were three children, Lorna, Narelle, and Murray. The late Sergeant Sternbeck was operated on for appendicitis, but heart complications, due to war service, caused his death at the age of 44. Deceased was a grandson of that great old lady of St. Albans, Mrs. Amelia Sternbeck, who was 103 years old last January, and still retains all her faculties. He was a nephew of Messrs. A. Sternbeck (Broke), Arch Sternbeck (Wylie's Flat), and Mrs. A. Bailey (Broke), to whom sympathy is expressed in the loss of a noted family member. Deceased was buried at Glen William in the family vault.