Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

An Ipswich lad Honoured.
CPL R. J. CAREW, D.C.M.

' Word has just been received (writes a correspondent) that the Distinguished Couduct Medal has been awarded to an Ipswich lad. Cpl R. J. Carew.

The information to hand is meager, but, the following excerpt from a letter received by Mr. J. A. McConachie, of the General Post Office, Brisbane, from his son, Sergt. J. Conachie, indicates the pluck and the spirit that won this proud distinction for young Carew. "It simply rained shells all night and part of the next day. There were several casualties in my lot. Young Carew, who belongs to the Post and Telegraph Department outshone all expectations. He distinguished himself and I can tell you, he is a real dark horse. He was wounded in the hip, when the scrap started but carried on with a bit of shrapnel stuck in him all night and the following morning, until we were relieved. I would not be surprised if he hits-up a D.C.M. or something in that line. You can tell the engineer he has in Carew a man to be proud of in fact the whole department has." Sergt. McConachie's expectations were realised and that such valour was so highly rewarded is a matter of gratification to those who know him. It is another demonstration of the grit that characterises the Australian soldier and makes him such an important factor in the war. Cpl. Carew is well-known in and around Ipswich. For some years his father Mr. M. J. Carew, was a manager of several cooperative creameries in the Grandchester district, where the subject of this sketch was born. Later, he kept the Bellevue Hotel, at Coominya. He subsequently removed to Kingaroy, where he now resides.

Mrs Carew is a daughter of the late Mr. John Quinn, of Grandchester, and is a sister of Mr. E. J. Quinn, of this city. At the time of his enlistment "Bob" was a telephonist in the Ipswich Post Office, His genial disposition made him a favourite both in the department and out of it. In sporting circles he was a prominent figure and was well known as a valued member of the C.Y.M.S. football Club. It is sincerely to be hoped that he will soon recover from his injuries and that he will return to his sunny land, as hale and hearty as when he left it. Mr. and Mrs. Carew have been the recipients of numerous messages of congratulatons on their lad's distinction, included amongst which was one from Mr. H.B. Templeton, Deputy-Postmaster General.'