20 Aust Inf Brigade 9 Aust Division Western Desert Corps
Schedule No. (to be left blank)
Unit
Regtl. No.
Rank and Name(Christian name must be stated)
Action for which commended (Date and place of action must be stated)
Recommended by
Honour or Reward
(To be left blank)
2/17 BN A17
NX 15705
Cpl. EDMONSON, John Hurst.
ACTION AT TOBRUK
For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
At TOBRUK during the night 13 April 41 post No. 33 was attacked by the enemy with two small field pieces, machine guns, 3” and 2”mortars and infantry. Lieut Mackell, CplEdmonson, Ptes Grant, R.S., Foster, WilliamsR.C., Keogh and Smith, S.E. counter-attacked.
During the advance of the counter-attack Cpl Edmonson was wounded in the neck and stomach,but continued to advance under heavy fire and killed one enemy with his bayonet. Lieut Mackell had his bayonet in one of the enemy,and was grasped about the legs by him, when another attacked him from the rear. He called for help, and Cpl Edmonson immediately came to his assistance, and disposed of the enemy.
Cpl Edmonson's action undoubtedly saved the life of Lieut Mackell. Shortly after returning from the attack, Cpl Edmonson's died of wounds. Cpl Edmonson's actions throughout the operations were outstanding for bravery, resolution and leadership.
