Robert Vivian GAY

Robert Vivian GAY Update Details

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GAY, Robert Vivian

Service Number:	499
Enlisted:	22 August 1914
Last Rank:	Corporal
Last Unit:	6th Infantry Battalion
Born:	Avoca, Vic., 1892
Home Town:	Fitzroy, Yarra, Victoria
Schooling:	Avoca and Maryborough State Schools, Vic.
Occupation:	Clerk
Died:	Killed in Action, France, 10 August 1918
Cemetery:	No known grave - "Known Unto God" Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France
Memorials:	Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial (Australian National Memorial - France), Wonthaggi North Wonthaggi Honor Roll WW1

World War 1 Service

22 Aug 1914:	Enlisted AIF WW1, 499
19 Oct 1914:	Involvement Private, 499, 6th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '8' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Hororata embarkation_ship_number: A20 public_note: ''
19 Oct 1914:	Embarked Private, 499, 6th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Hororata, Melbourne
10 Aug 1918:	Involvement Corporal, 499, 6th Infantry Battalion, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 499 awm_unit: 6th Australian Infantry Battalion awm_rank: Corporal awm_died_date: 1918-08-10

Help us honour Robert Vivian Gay's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by Sharyn Roberts

Son of James and Elizabeth GAY; husband of Lucy GAY, 18 Dudley Street, North Fitzroy, Victoria.

Medals
Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and ability on the 25th and 26th April, 1915, near Gaba Tepe (Dardanelles), when, on one occasion during the operations, most of the officers having been killed or wounded, and part of the line having commenced to retire, Corporal Gay showed great courage and decision of character in assisting to stop the retirement, and in leading the men forward again under a heavy fire. He also frequently carried messages over open ground swept by a heavy fire, and exhibited a splendid example of devotion to duty.'
Source: 'London Gazette' No. 8850
Date: 6 September 1915

Military Medal

'During the attack on GLENCORSE WOOD east of YPRES on 20th September 1917, when his platoon commander was wounded Sgt. GAY took charge of the platoon, led them forward and consolidated his objective. Later on he led carrying parties to forward troops through heavy hostile barrages. By his leadership, initiative, personal bravery under very heavy fire. he greatly influenced all under his command.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

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