Victoria Cross : Sergeant S R McDougall, 47 Battalion, AIF

Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action.

Stanley Robert 'Stan' McDougall was born in Recherche, Tasmania on 23 July 1889 and became a blacksmith. He enlisted in August 1915 and fought at Pozieres, Messines and Broodseinde and was promoted to sergeant in January 1918.

At Dernancourt on 28 March, when he saw the enemy knock out a Lewis gun position, McDougall attacked two German machine-gun teams, killing their crews by 'hosing' them with the Lewis. He then attacked a second wave of Germans, burning his hands on the hot barrel casing of his gun. When a German officer aimed his pistol at some Australians, McDougall killed him with rifle and bayonet. Twenty-two Germans were killed and 30 were captured, largely as a result of McDougall's actions. For his actions at Dernancourt he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The recommendation for the award reads:

'For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
At DERNANCOURT on morning of 28 March 1918 the enemy attacked our line and his first wave succeeded in gaining an entry.
Sgt Macdougall [sic] who was at a post in a flank company realized the situation and at once charged the enemy's second wave single handed with rifle and bayonet, killing 7 and capturing M.G. [machine gun] which they had. This he turned on to them firing from the hip causing many casualties and routing that wave. He then turned his attention to those who had entered until his ammunition had run out all the time firing at close quarters when he seized a bayonet and charged again killing three men and a German Officer who was just about to kill one of our Officers. He then used a Lewis Gun on the enemy killing many and enabling us to capture 33 prisoners.
His prompt action saved the line and enabled us to stop the enemy advance.'

Eight days later, at the same place, McDougall won the Military Medal, taking over the platoon when his commander was killed.

After the war McDougall became an officer with the Tasmanian Forestry Department, and later, as inspector-in-charge of forests in north-east Tasmania, he performed outstanding work during bushfire periods. McDougall died in Scottsdale on 7 July 1968.

McDougall's Victoria Cross is accompanied by the Military Medal, service medals for the First World War, and coronation medals for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

• Military Medal : Sergeant S R McDougall, 47 Battalion, AIF