Portrait of Sergeant (Sgt) Lewis McGee VC 40th Battalion Australian Infantry of Avoca Tasmania, ...

Accession Number A02623
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Glass original half plate negative
Maker Unknown
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Portrait of Sergeant (Sgt) Lewis McGee VC 40th Battalion Australian Infantry of Avoca Tasmania, who was killed in action on 12 October 1917. An extract from The London Gazette No 30400, dated 23rd November 1917, records the following:- For most conspicuous bravery when, in the advance to the final objective, Sgt McGee led his platoon with great dash and bravery, though strongly opposed, and under heavy shell fire. His platoon was suffering severely and the advance of the Company was stopped by machine gun fire from a `Pill-box' post. Single handed Sgt McGee rushed the post armed only with a revolver. He shot some of the crew and captured the rest, and thus enabled the advance to proceed. He reorganised the remnants of his platoon and was foremost in the remainder of the advance, and during consolidation of the position he did splendid work. This Non Commissioned Officer's coolness and bravery were conspicuous and contributed largely to the success of the Company's operations. Sgt McGee was subsequently awarded the VC for his outstanding bravery.