Military Cross : Captain P L Howell-Price, 1 Battalion, AIF

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

Military Cross awarded to Captain Philip Llewellyn Howell-Price. Born on 11 September 1894 at Mount Wilson, he had served as a citizen soldier before enlisting in the 1st Battalion, AIF on 14 September 1914. He and his five brothers served during the First World War, with all – except David Clayton Winchcombe Howell-Price – serving overseas with distinction.

Four days after enlistment, Howell-Price was commissioned second lieutenant and embarked for Egypt on 18 October. The battalion landed at Gallipoli on 25 August 1915 and he was promoted lieutenant the next day. His work during the battle of Lone Pine, during which he was severely wounded, earned him a Mention in Despatches. After he returned from three months of hospital care, he was one of the last to evacuate Gallipoli.

On 2 January 1916 he was promoted Captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for training and leading a 94-man raiding party on German lines near Armentières, France, on 27 June. He later fought on the Somme in July and at Flers in November. It was for his actions at Geudecourt on 5 November that he was recommended for the Military Cross (awarded in June 1917). His citation reads:

'For gallant conduct and devotion to duty. ON the 5/11/16 when the battalion was engaged in a minor operation NW of Goudencourt, he led his company to the attack under very heavy fire. He was beaten back with severe loss. He then reorganised his company and led a second attack, again suffering heavy loss. His weakened command was beaten off despite its leader's valiant effort to make the operation a success.

'He then remained close to the enemy's position for about an hour, gaining useful information regarding the direction of enemy MG and rifle fire and personally directing the rescue of wounded.

'Since this action, to the present date, the fine example of bravery, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice under the very severe conditions of the winter months, set by this officer has been an inspiration to his men.

'Captain Howell-Price has done especially good work in improving sections of the front line for which he has been responsible.'

In March 1917 he was wounded for a second time at Bullecourt. However, General Sir William Birdwood had him appointed to the staff of the 1st Anzac Division. He was promoted Major on 7 June 1917 and attached to the staff of the 2nd Brigade.

Upon hearing that his old battalion was going into action he begged to be sent back to it and on 4 October was killed in an artillery barrage at Broodseinde. His body was never recovered.