Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Augustine Bernard Lodge DSO, 8th Battalion from Hamilton, ...

Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Augustine Bernard Lodge DSO, 8th Battalion from Hamilton, Victoria. A 19 year old coachman prior to enlisting as 390 Private Lodge on 19 August 1914, he embarked for overseas as a Sergeant with D Company from Melbourne aboard HMAT Benalla (A24) on 19 October 1914. While serving at Gallipoli, he was appointed a Second Lieutenant on 28 April and promoted to Lieutenant on 4 August. In the meantime, he was wounded in action on 23 July and evacuated to hospital in Malta before proceeding to England for further medical treatment. After arriving back in Egypt in February 1916, he proceeded to France in March and was promoted to Captain on 13 April 1916. Capt Lodge was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatch (MID) and awarded a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for conspicuous gallantry and skill at Pozieres, France on 19 August 1916 when he reconnoitered a position under heavy fire and then led the attacking force. After one company had lost all its officers, he rallied the men and cleared a trench that was obstructing the advance. Although wounded, he continued until the objective was gained. He was evacuated to England for medical treatment for his wounds and returned to Australia. Capt Lodge re-embarked for overseas with the Machine Gun Companies June 1917 Reinforcements from Melbourne aboard SS Indarra on 26 November 1917. After arriving in Egypt, he proceeded to England and then onto France. His appointment was terminated on 2 July 1918 when he transferred to the Indian Army. He also served in the Second World War from 26 September 1939 to 21 December 1945 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 18th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps.