Military Cross: Lieutenant Walter Cyril Godfrey, 24th Battalion AIF

Military Cross (Geo V) in original case. Engraved on reverse with recipient's details.

This Military Cross was awarded to, Lieutenant Walter Cyril Godfrey in September 1916 for actions at Pozieres with 24 Battalion, while commanding a detachment of the 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery. His citation reads: 'For good work and reconnoitering NO MAN'S LAND on the night 3rd/4th August 1916,and for gallant conduct in the attack on the 4th August 1916, in command of a Mortar Detachment. After expending his available ammunition he took command of an Infantry party, (owing to loss of Officers) and did excellent work in consolidating the captured position. Though seriously wounded he continued to work until he collapsed.'

Godfrey had suffered a gunshot wound to the head during the action and was invalided to England where he spent a number of months convalescing at the Empire Hospital, Brighton. Returning to Australia on 13 February 1917 Godfrey arrived in Sydney on 10 April was discharged on 29 June 1917.

Godfrey was 19 when he enlisted in the 12th Light Horse on 9 December 1914. Godfrey arrived on the Gallipoli peninsula on 29 August and remained there until the evacuation.

Transferred to 24 Battalion on 22 January 1916, Godfrey was commissioned second lieutenant on 8 February. The unit's first major offensive on the Western Front was around Pozieres and Mouquet Farm in July and August 1916.

During the Second World War Godfrey served in the CMF with 14 Machine Gun Regiment from 1 October 1941 until he volunteered for the Second AIF on 26 September 1942. Godfrey was discharged at the end of the war on 24 August 1945 with the rank of major.