Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Military Medal

'During the operations near Geudecourt from 15th November, 1916, to 6th December, 1916, these N.C.O.s and men did most excellent work as members of the Divisional Pack Transport Troops. They are selected from the 256 N.C.O.s and Drivers as having set a fine example to the remainder by their coolness under fire, determination, and resource. They never failed in getting the mules up to Battalion Headquarters although they came constantly under shell fire, during which a number of mules were killed. Their work was done at night under the most difficult conditions, and they were instrumental in saving a number of valuable animals from drowning when bogged in shell holes in the portion of their journey beyond Brigade Headquarters, which was under constant shell fire. '

Bar to Military Medal

'Is brought to notice for conspicuous gallantry, resource and initiative on the 23rd October, 1917, near BROODSEINDE. He was in charge of a convoy of pack mules delivering rations etc., to the Battalion in the front line, when the enemy put down a barrage on the route he was taking and disorganised the party. There were several casualties amongst his men and mules and the shelling excited the whole of the mules, making the work of handling them difficult. Sergeant McKINNON at once reorganised his party with total disregard for personal danger. He re-loaded the rations from the killed mules to the others and led his party around the barrage, and arrived with all the rations at the forward dump. It is partly due to the good work of this N.C.O. that the rations supplied to the front line were always hot.'