Military Cross: Lieutenant V M Chataway, 9 Battalion, AIF

Military Cross (Geo V). Unnamed as issued and in the original case of issue. The ribbon has a silver pin clasp on the back. With the medal and case is a small newspaper clipping showing an abbreviated award recommendation. Newspaper clipping contained in Con Rec 35249.

Awarded to Lieutenant Vincent Maxwell Chataway during his service with 9 Battalion. Born in 1892, Chataway was a 23 year old student living in Cleveland, Queensland when he enlisted in the AIF in 1915. He embarked on HMAT Clan McGillvray as a 2nd lieutenant with the 20th reinforcements to 9 Battalion on 7 September 1916. Promoted to lieutenant in early April 1917, Chataway was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Lagnicourt later in the same month. The recommendation for the award reads, 'At Lagnicourt, France, on 15th April, 1917, Lieut. Chataway during the attack by the enemy handled his platoon with great coolness and quick decisions. His platoon moved through Lagnicourt doing a great deal of mopping up and assisted in driving the enemy out of the village. After passing through the village he immediately reorganised his command and continued to advance after the retreating enemy. He eventually reached our original outpost line where he captured a party of the enemy who were in occupation. During this action he showed considerable ability and fine leadership.' He returned to Australia on 18 July 1919.