Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Awarded the Military Medal - 27 March 1918;

"...Near Heilly, North of the Somme River this N.C.O. laid telephone lines under enemy artillery amd machine gun fire. working continuously all that day and the night of 27th/28th March, 1918, and through his personal effort, communication was able to be established with all Battalions. Again on the 28th March 1918 when this brigade advanced, Sgt. Symes went forward under heavy machine gun fire without regard for personal safety and maintained the lines to all Battalions, and when the lines connecting with the 44th Battalion Headquarters and 11th Brigade Headquarters was broken by enemy shell fire, repaired same whilst under full observation of the enemy and under enemy machine gun fire. On 30th March, 1918 when enemy attacked this Brigade front, this N.C.O. went out with sappers of the Brigade Signal Section under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire and repaired broken lines. As an example of continued devotion to duty and courage in the face of great personal danger this N.C.O. is worthy of commendation." - Major General John Monash - SOURCE (static.awm.gov.au)

Awarded Bar to the Military Medal - 04 July 1918

"...during the attack on enemy trenches East of Hamel, Sergeant Symes, M.M., was in charge of No. 2 forward party of the Brigade Signal Section. He skillfully manoeuvred his party forward under heavy artillery fire, and succeeded in establishing communication with the Rear Brigade Headquarters within 30 minutes of the commencement of the barrage. Throughout the whole operation he set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty." - Major General John Monash - SOURCE (static.awm.gov.au)