Donald Charles LAURIE MM

Donald Charles LAURIE MM Update Details

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LAURIE, Donald Charles

Service Number:	4092
Enlisted:	17 April 1916
Last Rank:	Private
Last Unit:	31st Infantry Battalion
Born:	Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, 28 January 1899
Home Town:	Cordalba, Bundaberg, Queensland
Schooling:	Not yet discovered
Occupation:	Barman
Died:	Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, 29 April 1981, aged 82 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery:	Albany Creek Memorial Park-Cemetery & Crematorium, QLD Wall 3, section 2
Memorials:

World War 1 Service

17 Apr 1916:	Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 4092, 31st Infantry Battalion
21 Oct 1916:	Involvement Private, 4092, 31st Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '16' embarkation_place: Brisbane embarkation_ship: HMAT Boonah embarkation_ship_number: A36 public_note: ''
21 Oct 1916:	Embarked Private, 4092, 31st Infantry Battalion, HMAT Boonah, Brisbane
30 Aug 1918:	Honoured Military Medal, Mont St Quentin / Peronne
14 Sep 1919:	Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 4092, 31st Infantry Battalion

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Biography contributed by Stephen Brooks

Donald Charles Laurie was the son of James and Petrana Marie Laurie of Cordalba, Queensland.

Born in 1899 he was only 17 years of age when he enlisted in 1916. His older brother, 409 Pte. William James Laurie 42nd Battalion was killed in action in Belgium on 2 August 1917, aged 24. Another brother, 3787 Lce. Cpl. Walter Laurie 15th Battalion AIF, died of wounds on 28 March 1918, aged 23.

Donald joined the 31st Battalion at the front during May 1917. He was recommended for a Military Medal the next year. “For gallantry and devotion to duty. Near Villers Carbonnel, near Peronne on 30th August 1918 Private Laurie crossed the Somme with a message in the face of intense artillery, Machine Gun and rifle fire. He delivered his message and then assisted to carry wounded back to safety. He exhibited marked courage in the face of extreme danger.”

Donald Laurie returned to Australia during June 1919.

He served again during WW2 under the regimental number Q140935 and he spent several years serving with ANGAU (Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit)

Virtual
War Memorial
Australia