MCCARTER, Lewis
| Service Number: | SX8974 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 18 July 1940, Adelaide, SA |
| Last Rank: | Major |
| Last Unit: | 2nd/28th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Adelaide, SA, 26 August 1911 |
| Home Town: | Kadina, Copper Coast, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Solomontown High School, Roseworthy College |
| Occupation: | High School Teacher |
| Died: | Adelaide, SA, 22 October 1983, aged 72 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia RSL, Wall 115, Niche E003 |
| Memorials: | Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Port Pirie 6th Port Pirie Boy Scouts Roll of Honor |
World War 2 Service
| 18 Jul 1940: | Involvement Major, SX8974, 2nd/28th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Adelaide, SA | |
| 18 Jul 1940: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Major, SX8974 | |
| 13 Sep 1945: | Discharged | |
| 13 Sep 1945: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (WW2) , Major, SX8974 | |
| Date unknown: | Honoured Military Cross |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Daryl Jones
Son of Mrs. James McCARTER of 57 Queen Street, Solomontown, SA. Lewis was married with two children and residing at 5 Powell Terrace, Kadina. Educated at Solomtown High School and the Roseworthy College he took a keen interest in Football and in civil life was a High School Teacher. He enlisted in June 1940 and saw service in the Middle East and Syria. He was taken prisoner of war. Awarded the Militiary Cross.
Military Cross
At Tobruk on night 2/3 August 1941 Captain McCarter commanded the troops in the deliberate Company assault on Post R7, a strong concrete post as part of the enemy’s main position, surrounded by an undisclosed minefield, and manned by Germans in considerable force, well supported by artillery and mortars. He displayed outstanding qualities of courage and leadership under heavy fire, and when the number of casualties prevented him attaining his objective, he organised and personally supervised the withdrawal of the remainder of his force, although twice wounded. He refused to have his wounds attended, until all his men were clear of the enemy. His courage was an inspiration to his men, and his judgement shown in deciding to withdraw when success was not then possible, resulted in the saving of many unnecessary casualties.
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