Private George Cartwright

Service number	726
Birth Date	09/12/1894
Birth Place	United Kingdom: England, Greater London, South Kensington
Death Date	02/02/1978
Final Rank	Private
Service	Australian Imperial Force
Unit	33rd Australian Infantry Battalion
Place	South Kensington
Conflict/Operation	First World War, 1914-1918

Description

George Cartwright (1894-1978) was born in London and later came to Australia. He worked as a labourer near Inverell, New South Wales, before enlisting in December 1915. His battalion went to France in November 1916, and the following year he was wounded while taking part in its first major battle; he was also gassed in early 1918. At Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavesnes near Péronne, as the 3rd Division sought to secure the north of the Somme River, Cartwright attacked an enemy machine-gun post that was holding up the advance. "His gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward."

Cartwright was badly wounded a few weeks later and returned to Australia, where he settled in Sydney. He served as a training officer in the Second World War.

Collection items

Rolls

Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

Unit

33rd Australian Infantry Battalion

Conflict

First World War, 1914-1918

Rank

Private
Honours and Awards:

Unit

33rd Australian Infantry Battalion

Conflict

First World War, 1914-1918

Rank

Private
First World War Embarkation Roll:

Conflict

First World War, 1914-1918

Rank

Private
First World War Nominal Roll:

Unit

33rd Australian Infantry Battalion

Conflict

First World War, 1914-1918

Rank

Private

Timeline

Date of birth	09/12/1894
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs)	12/1915
Date of enlistment	19/12/1915
Date of embarkation	04/05/1916
Date wounded	06/1917
Date wounded	04/1918	Gassed.
Date of recommendation honour or award	07/09/1918
Date wounded	09/1918
Date of honour or award	31/08/1918	Awarded Victoria Cross for action at Rood Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne, France whilst serving with 33 Battalion, 9 Brigade, 3 Division as a Private.
Date returned to Australia	31/03/1919
Date returned to Australia	03/1919
Date of discharge	07/1919	Continued his involvement with the military through the Citizen Military Forces.
Date promoted	10/1939	Promoted to temporary captain.
Date of death	02/02/1978