Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Alan Victor Carter MC, MM, 5th Battalion from Horsham, ...

Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Alan Victor Carter MC, MM, 5th Battalion from Horsham, Victoria. A 21 year old bank clerk prior to enlisting on 15 August 1914, he embarked for overseas as 376 Private Carter with E Company from Melbourne aboard HMAT Orvieto (A3) on 21 October 1914. While serving at Gallipoli, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, then Corporal, then Lance Sergeant, then Sergeant, appointed Quartermaster Sergeant and awarded a Military Medal (MM) for bravery in the field. After returning to Egypt, he was appointed a Second Lieutenant on 20 February 1916 and proceeded to France in March where he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1 June. He was awarded a Military Cross (MC) for conspicuous gallantry during operations at Pozieres, France on 25 July 1916 when, by his bravery and good leadership in a difficult situation, he enabled a captured trench to be held against a strong enemy counter attack. After being wounded on 15 October, he was evacuated to England for medical treatment and recuperation and spent three months away from his battalion. One month after he returned, he was promoted to Captain on 23 February 1917. Capt Carter’s appointment was terminated on 12 February 1918 when he accepted a commission in the Indian Army.