Military Medal: Private Hamilton Hollingworth McLachlan, 34th Battalion, AIF

Place Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens Harbonnieres Area, Villers-Bretonneux Area, Villers-Bretonneux, Accroche Wood
Accession Number REL26420.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Award
Physical description Silver
Maker Unknown
Place made United Kingdom
Date made c 1918-1919
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

History / Summary

Born at Bingara, New South Wales, 22 year old 2367 Lance Corporal Hamilton Hollingworth McLachlan, was working as a drover when he enlisted in the AIF at Inverell on 13 June 1916. After basic training he was posted to the 11th Reinforcements for 34th Battalion. He sailed from Sydney with his unit on 17 October, aboard HMAT A30 Borda. McLachlan undertook further training in England before joining his battalion at Armentieres, France on 30 April 1917.

In August 1918 he was awarded the Military Medal. The recommendation for the award reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions South of the SOMME, East of HAMEL, on 8th August 1918./ Private McLACHLIN [sic] was a Battalion runner. The advance was greatly hampered by a dense fog, which, combined with the heavy artillery bombardment both of our own guns and the enemy's, rendered any observation of developments of the attack on ACCROCHE WOOD impossible. This man was sent forward as part of a reconnaissance patrol to locate the extent of the advance of the Companies and their positions. With the aid of a compass he succeeded in locating the positions of the Companies and then went forward through the wood and ascertained the position of the most advanced troops of the Brigade. By this time the enemy had concentrated a very heavy artillery bombardment on ACCROCHE WOOD, but having obtained the information he was determined to deliver it, and in spite of the grave personal danger again returned through the wood and informed the Battalion Commander as to the forward situation. This information was of vital assistance to Brigade Headquarters who were then able to free reserves which had been kept in readiness to assist in the capture of ACCROCHE WOOD if necessary. This heroic action greatly impressed his comrades who considered it impossible for anyone to return through the wood under the enemy's artillery bombardment.'

In early 1919 McLachlan was mentioned in despatches and also awarded the French Medaille d' Honneur (bronze), apparently for the same action on 8th August, or one which took place later that month. The latter French medal was awarded to only twenty eight Australian servicemen. McLachlan departed for Australia on 11 May 1919. Soon after his discharge he joined the New South Wales Police, with whom he served until his retirement. He died in 1974.