Distinguished Conduct Medal : Company Sergeant Major George Andrew Werner, 33 Battalion AIF

Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo VI). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Born in Tenterfield, New South Wales, George Andrew Werner was working as a labourer in a saw mill near Inverell, although he was a qualified bootmaker, when he enlisted in the AIF in November 1915. After initial training he was posted to the headquarters of 33rd Battalion, service number 1510, as a sergeant shoemaker. He left Sydney with his unit on 4 May 1916, aboard HMAT A74 Marathon. After further training in England Werner arrived in France in November 1916. At an unknown date he transferred to the battalion's A Company. He was promoted Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer II) in July 1917.

Werner was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the third battle of Ypres. The recommendation for the award reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 12th Octr. 1917 near PASSCHENDAELE./ This W.O. went forward of our lines in search of wounded, working over marshy ground and under heavy shell fire, he brought in two wounded men./ His Coy. suffered heavy casualties and had only one Officer left. He was chiefly responsible for the rapid and efficient organisation of his Coy. He did excellent work in consolidating the new line./ Throughout the operation he displayed great courage, coolness and determination. Although the conditions were very adverse he maintained a most cheerful and optimistic attitude and set an excellent example to his men.'

Werner was mortally wounded at Hangard Wood, near Villers Brettoneux, in the afternoon of 30 March 1918, when he was hit in the abdomen and thigh by machine gun fire. He died on No 2 Ambulance train on 31 March, before it reached Rouen, and was buried in the St Sever Cemetery Extension there.

• British War Medal 1914-20 : Warrant Officer Class II G A Werner, 33 Battalion AIF
• Victory Medal : Warrant Officer Class II G A Werner, 33 Battalion AIF