Military Medal: Sergeant Bertram Wilfred Rollins, 46th Battalion, AIF

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

A farmer from Lovely Banks, Victoria, Bertram Wilfred Rollins enlisted 27 June 1916, aged 23 years. He joined the 46th Battalion, 5th Reinforcements (service number 2487) and embarked for France on 7 September 1916. Rollins was wounded in action 11 April 1917, before he briefly served with the 12th Australian Brigade Headquarters and then the 13th Australian Field Ambulance. Returning to the 46th Battalion, Rollins was promoted to Lance Corporal, Corporal and then Sergeant in the following months. On 19 August 1918, Rollins was again wounded in action and evacuated to the 1st Southern General Hospital, England. A bullet wound to his thigh resulted in a nerve lesion that caused motor and sensory loss to his leg and foot. He saw no further active service.

For his actions at Hamel he was awarded the Military Medal on 5 September. The recommendation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the attack East of HAMEL, E of CORBIE on the morning of 8th August 1918. Our attack was held up by strong machine gun and rifle fire coming from a wood. Sgt ROLLINS led two sections forward to reinforce the line and noticing a party of the enemy firing from a house he led his men forward making good use of dead ground, and any cover which offered. He was then able to get close to the house which he rushed, wounding 3 of the enemy and capturing 10 prisoners. The fine example of fearlessness set by the N.C.O. and his fine leadership undoubtedly worn the position and saved a very awkward situation. This N.C.O. showed great dash and determination right throughout the attack.'

On return to Australia, Rollins failed to board the transport ship HT Miltiades in Cape Town, South Africa, on 13 July 1919, though he embarked the next day on HT Orita. He was discharged on 5 October 1919. On 1 August 1922 Rollins was one of a three men who were injured when an old powder charge exploded at the Australian Portland Cement Company's quarry at Batesford near Geelong. The men were taken to hospital suffering from burns. One man died two days later. Rollins was initially reported to be holding his own, but he developed septic pneumonia and died on 13 August.