| Accession Number | P05841.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Digital file TIFF |
| Maker |
Flawless at Homebush |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of 3838 Private (Pte) Reginald Richard Pitts, 20th Battalion. A shop assistant ...
Description
Studio portrait of 3838 Private (Pte) Reginald Richard Pitts, 20th Battalion. A shop assistant from Mittagong, NSW prior to enlistment, Pte Pitts embarked with the 9th Reinforcements from Sydney on HMAT Runic on 20 January 1916. After being promoted to Lance Corporal, he was wounded in action for the second time and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally led an assault against the enemy's position and succeeded in capturing 48 prisoners. He set a splendid example to all ranks." In May 1917, reported as missing in action, it was later determined that he had been killed in action on 2 May 1917, aged 22. He is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.