Studio portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Charles Laing MM, 22nd Battalion from Springfield near ...

Studio portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Charles Laing MM, 22nd Battalion from Springfield near Romsey, Victoria. A 27 year old farmer prior to enlisting as 844 Private Laing on 8 February 1915, he embarked for overseas with D Company from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ulysses (A38) on 10 May 1915. After serving at Gallipoli, he returned to Egypt and then proceeded to France in March 1916. He was transferred to the 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery and was promoted to Corporal (Cpl) on 12 August 1916. Cpl Laing was awarded the Military Medal (MM) when he distinguished himself in action in the captured trenches near Bullecourt, France on 3 May 1917. By gallantry and determination, he and six other soldiers continued to serve their mortars throughout the day and night until relieved at dawn. After being promoted to Lance Sergeant on 28 September 1917, he was subsequently selected to attend the Infantry Cadet Battalion in England commencing in November. Following his appointment as a Second Lieutenant on 1 June 1918, ten days later he proceeded to France and joined the 22nd Battalion. He was wounded in action on 23 July 1918 and evacuated to England for medical treatment and recuperation. While in England, he was promoted to Lieutenant on 3 September and a month later rejoined his battalion in France. On 3 September 1919, Lt Laing MM left England to return to Australia.