Charles Edward LEMAIRE MM

LEMAIRE, Charles Edward

    Service Number: NX65985
    Enlisted: 27 November 1940
    Last Rank: Sergeant
    Born: Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia, 5 September 1922
    Home Town: Murwillumbah, Tweed, New South Wales
    Occupation: District Forester
    Died: Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia., 8 November 2008, aged 86 years, cause of death not yet discovered

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    World War 2 Service

    27 Nov 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Sergeant, NX65985
    27 Jul 1945: Honoured Military Medal, Borneo - Operation Oboe July - August 1945, Citation: On 27 July 45 Cpl LEMAIRE was commanding a reconnaissance patrol of his section and a few natives to ARANG village. While moving on a narrow track through tall swamp grass the patrol came under intense fire from concealed enemy positions to a flank. This killed one native, wounded one soldier and shattered another's rifle. Fire persisted at any movement. Disregarding his own safety LEMAIRE moved to a position from which he could better control his section and possibly locate the enemy. As he did so three Japs sprang from the grass and rushed the patrol. LEMAIRE killed one at three yards range and wounded another, while a third was speared by a native tending the wounded man. Though further enemy could not be located their fire became more intense. The track in rear was blocked but LEMAIRE continued his unruffled control, organising the withdrawal of his patrol through the swamp. One man, later found dead, was missing. Although it drew considerable fire on himself LEMAIRE remained searching and calling for him. Then as he backed away covering his section's move another Jap rushed at him. LEMAIRE shot him at very close range. Ultimately he brought his patrol through difficult swamp country to their base. By his calm clear-headed control, his personal fighting example and his disregard for his own safety, his leadership proved an inspiration to his men, and undoubtedly extricated them from an extremely dangerous position. Recommended for the immediate award of MM T A Blamey General Commander-in-Chief Australian Military Forces 14 Sep. 1945
    6 Mar 1946: Discharged Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Sergeant, NX65985

    Help us honour Charles Edward Lemaire's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

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