Military Cross and Bar : Lieutenant C W Stoerkel, 48 Battalion, AIF

Military Cross and Bar (Geo V). Unnamed as issued.

Charles William Stoerkel enlisted as a private in 16 Battalion, AIF, on 11 September 1914. In early 1916 he transferred to 48 Battalion, AIF. He was commissioned in 1917. Stoerkel was awarded the Military Cross (MC) on 17 June 1917, and a bar to the MC on 3 May 1918. He was also mentioned in despatches in 1916. He returned to Australia in 1919. The recommendation for his MC reads, 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during attack on final objective East of MESSINES on June 7th 1917. This brave officer gallantly led several fighting patrols and made important reconnaissance on enemy positions under heavy Machine Gun and Artillery fire and even when severely wounded sent in a report of the situation'. The recommendation for the bar to Stoerkel's MC reads 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near VILLERS BRETONNEUX on 3rd May, 1918. When in charge of a "mopping up" party this officer led his men with great coolness and gallantry through a terrific machine gun barrage and gained his objective. After clearing the houses and cellars of the enemy and despatching to the rear prisoners taken, he discovered that he was almost cut off, but by skilful manoeuvring of his men and use of his machine guns he succeeded in getting back through the enemy, withdrawing his men with very few losses. The thoroughness with which he executed his task in the attack and the dexterity with which he handled his party in the face of appalling odds were magnificent and his own inspiration to the men under his command which was reflected in their grand work.'