Military Cross and Bar : Lieutenant Joseph Henry Nott, 4th Light Horse Regiment, AIF

Military Cross and bar (Geo V). Engraved reverse with recipient's details.

Born at Rutherglen, Victoria in 1891 Joseph Henry Nott enlisted in the AIF on 18 August 1914. He had previously served in the militia for eight years as a quartermaster sergeant in 8th Light Horse Regiment. Nott was appointed a sergeant, service 1, to the Headquarters of 4th Light Horse Regiment (4LHR). The unit sailed from Melbourne on 19 October, aboard HMAT A18 Wiltshire. Nott acted as Transport Sergeant during the voyage. After serving at Gallipoli in 1915 Nott was commissioned in early 1916 and, along with members of the two of the 4LHR squadrons sent to France to support British and French units on the Western Front.

In June 1916, a composite regiment of the 4th LHR squadrons and the New Zealand Otago Mounted Rifles was formed to create the II Anzac Corps Mounted Regiment. The regiment was widely used during the battle of Messines in June 1917. The unit was reorganised in December 1917 and renamed the XX11 Corps Mounted Regiment under General Alexander Godley, and now included British cavalry. In March 1918, Nott was briefly detached to a composite battalion with the British 49th Division, tasked with relieving a portion of the front line near Bulgar Wood, east of Ypres. In April and July, the corps supported the French during the Battles of Lys, Marne and Tardenois.

On 11 August the regiment was temporarily attached to III Corps for the Allied offensive toward the Hindenburg Line, fighting in conjunction with Australian and British divisions north of the Somme. On 24 August, D Squadron, including Nott, was attached to the British 58th Division. The division’s records note that the Corps’ mounted troops were 'of the greatest value' in gathering information crucial to the fighting. Nott’s conduct in that role, following the capture of Maricourt on 27 August, was recognised with the Military Cross.

The citation for the award reads: 'For gallantry, initiative, and devotion to duty. On 28th August, 1918, in the vicinity of Maricourt, when, owing to heavy fire, runners from the front line were unable to get back, this officer was sent out with a patrol to gain information. He found a gap in our infantry line, which he succeeded in closing up. He then worked along the whole line and obtained the location of our troops, their company and battalion headquarters, and gave each of them valuable information as to locations of our own and enemy troops. This information he successfully carried to divisional headquarters. He was on duty continuously for fourteen days, and obtained most valuable and accurate information.'

The regiment returned to XXII Corps days later. On 10 September, Nott’s squadron was supporting the British 74th Division in fighting around Épehy, Peizières and Ronssay Wood. Nott once again distinguished himself while carrying out reconnaissance. For his actions he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross. The citation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry while in command of a mounted detachment at Piezieres [Peizières, Pezières] on 10th September, 1918. When the situation was obscure, the attack being on a wide front, with pockets of the enemy still holding out, he went forward to gain touch with the flanks. Under intense shell and machine gun fire he carried out a thorough reconnaissance and brought back information of the utmost value. His gallant and capable work has afforded great assistance throughout.'

September’s actions were the last of the war for the regiment. Along with other long serving members of the AIF, Nott was given special leave and left the regiment for the final time on 4 October. He returned to Australia in December 1918. The following month was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with palm for 'conspicuous services rendered'. Nott served again in the Second World War domestically with the Australian Army Service Corps, attaining the rank of major.