Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Military Cross... Awarded to Lieutenant Vincent Maxwell Chataway during his service with 9 Battalion. Born in 1892, Chataway was a 23 year old student living in Cleveland, Queensland when he enlisted in the AIF in 1915. He embarked on HMAT Clan McGillvray as a 2nd lieutenant with the 20th reinforcements to 9 Battalion on 7 September 1916. Promoted to lieutenant in early April 1917, Chataway was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Lagnicourt later in the same month. The recommendation for the award reads, 'At Lagnicourt, France, on 15th April, 1917, Lieut. Chataway during the attack by the enemy handled his platoon with great coolness and quick decisions. His platoon moved through Lagnicourt doing a great deal of mopping up and assisted in driving the enemy out of the village. After passing through the village he immediately reorganised his command and continued to advance after the retreating enemy. He eventually reached our original outpost line where he captured a party of the enemy who were in occupation. During this action he showed considerable ability and fine leadership.' He returned to Australia on 18 July 1919." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

"The funeral of Mr. Vincent Maxwell Chataway took place last week at the Mount Thompson crematorium. Mr. Chataway, who was the second son of the late Mr. J. V. Chataway, who in the nineties held the portfolios in a Queensland Government of Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Lands, left for the Great War as a second lieutenant in 1916, and was gassed and wounded during the campaign. Mr. V. M. Chataway, (says the "Courner-Mail") who had been farming at Proston, died in the Rosemount Military Hospital. He is survived by his widow and a small son. The Rev. E. H. Smith, Church of England, officiated at the crematorium." - from the Townsville Daily Bulletin 23 Oct 1934 (nla.gov.au)