Studio portrait of 5427 Private (Pte) Alfred Henry Shervill, Belgian Croix de Guerre, 16th ...

Studio portrait of 5427 Private (Pte) Alfred Henry Shervill, Belgian Croix de Guerre, 16th Battalion from Boulder, Western Australia. A 23 year old railway porter prior to enlisting on 28 February 1916, he embarked for overseas with the 17th Reinforcements from Fremantle, Western Australia aboard HMAT Aeneas (A60) on 17 April 1916. After arriving in Egypt, he proceeded to France in June 1916 and was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre for gallant conduct as a battalion scout. Between 7 and 13 June 1917, in operations against Messines Ridge, he guided the battalion into the front line under a German barrage. On 26 September 1917 near Polygon Wood, Belgium, he was wounded in action but remained on duty until he was subsequently again severely wounded and had to be evacuated for medical treatment. Following treatment in Belgium, he was evacuated to England for further treatment and recuperation. He remained in England until he returned to Australia on 15 January 1919.