Military Medal : Private R J Grant, 15 Battalion, AIF

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around the edge with the recipient's details.

Born in Elgin, Scotland in 1890, Robert John Grant immigrated to Australia in 1911. He was married to Isabel, had two children, Mathar and Sophie, and working as a miner when he enlisted in the AIF in Tasmania on 11 December 1914. 1611 Private R J Grant embarked aboard HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray at Melbourne with the 2nd Reinforcements to the 15th Battalion on 2 February 1915.

On 8 August 1915, Grant was seriously wounded on Gallipoli during the fierce fighting for Hill 971 (Koja Chemen Tepe). Evacuated to England for treatment he eventually rejoined his battalion in France in August 1916.

Grant was wounded for the second time when, on 11 April 1917, he was shot through the wrist during the First Battle of Bullecourt. He was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for his bravery during this action. The Citation reads, 'Pte. GRANT was noticed for his self sacrificing bravery during attack on HINDENBURG LINE South of REINCOURT on 11.4.17. He acted as Stretcher Bearer and did heroic work in recovering and dressing wounded and then getting them back to safety all the time exposed to Heavy M.G. and rifle fire from enemy. He was wounded severely whilst carrying out his duty. He was responsible for getting in a large number of wounded men. His conduct deserves recognition'.

After treatment and convalescence in England, Grant rejoined his unit in December 1917 and continued to serve with the 15th Battalion until he was severely wounded during the fighting for Hamel on 4 July 1918. He was taken to the 5th Casualty Clearing Station and died from his wounds the next day. He is buried at the Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-Sur-Somme just west of Amiens.