honor role

Lake, Harold Vivian

** MM 3084 Sgt 51st Bn.

Born at Adelaide, Sth Aust.  CoE.  Enlisted 2 July 1915 age 29, bank clerk.  Nok father, Joseph Lake of Swanbourne Tce, Cottesloe Beach.  Embarked at Fremantle 13 September 1915 per Themistocles.  Served in France 1916-1917, England 1918 and France 1918. He was wounded to the thigh in France on 24 April 1918. RTA March 1920 per SS Zealandic.  Medal Citation:  ‘On night 24/25th April 1918, during a counter attack by his Bn on strong enemy positions south of Villers-Bretonneux this NCO was in charge of a Lewis gun section.  When his platoon Commander became a casualty he took command of the platoon.  On reconnoitring a wire entanglement he called on his platoon to follow and forced a way through the wire.  In rushing his men through, he was largely responsible for the advance of his Coy being maintained at a critical time.  His gallant action was an example to all.’  Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 15 4 February 1919.  London Gazette 5th supplement No. 30897 13 September 1918. Service medals and award: MM, 1914-1915 Star, BWM and VM.