Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

George Piper was a boxer of some note in Melbourne prior to enlisting during August 1914. He served at the Anzac landing and was wounded on several occasions. According to his service file he was wounded in the neck sometime between 8/12 May 1915 and evacuated to Malta, then Egypt. He was sent back to Gallipoli 20 June 1915 and was reported as having been wounded by shrapnel in the face and hands during the offensive on Lone Pine 6 August 1915. He was again evacuated to Egypt. He was back at Anzac by the 3 September 1915 but was sent back to Malta with enteric fever only nine days later. During October 1915 he was sent to England for treatment.

A newspaper called the “Referee” reported in November 1915, “The well-known Pavilion bantam boxer, Sergeant George Piper, is returning, home a much-wounded warrior. After recovering from a slight wound at the start, a bullet lodged in Piper's knee; a week later a bullet grazed his chest; four days. later, a fragment of shell struck under his left eye, and another piece grazed his chin. In spite of all these incidents Piper went back for more, and a bullet over the right eye sent him home. The youngster always had the reputation of being a diehard in his contests at the Pavilion.”

The paper was referring to the Melbourne Athletic Pavilion and seems to have intimate knowledge of Piper’s wounds, however he was not sent home due to his wounds.

After his recovery, George was acting as a training instructor in England for much of the latter part of 1916. He rejoined the 5th Battalion on the Western Front during March 1917 and promoted to Sergeant not long after. He was wounded again on 20 September 1917, a gunshot wound to the ankle, and transferred to England for treatment. He returned to his unit during late 1917 and was made a temporary C.S.M. on 15 March 1918. He relinquished his temporary rank only two months later.

He was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his work on 9 August 1918, 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 9 August 1918, near Vanvillers. When his platoon officer was wounded, he took charge of the platoon and led it to its objective through heavy fire, helping the company commander in the consolidation. His courage and disregard of danger set a fine example.'

He was killed in action only two weeks later and his mother was eventually presented with his D.C.M.

He was only 18 years of age when he enlisted and served for over four years, being severely wounded on at least three separate occasions.

The same “Referee” newspaper reported in 1918, ‘Game little featherweight George Piper has made the supreme sacrifice in France. Poor little Piper was one of the first, to enlist, and prior to crossing the Great Divide was wounded on no fewer than nine occasions.’