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DOWNING, Reginald George
Personal Details
| Service Number: | NX125728 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 25 March 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Last Unit: | 56 Infantry Battalion AMF |
| Born: | Forest Lodge, New South Wales, Australia, 24 May 1891 |
| Occupation: | Agriculture Graduate / Farmer |
| Died: | St George District Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia, 1 September 1967, aged 76 years, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium, North Ryde, New South Wales |
Help us honour Reginald George Downing's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Show RelationshipsService History
World War 1 Service
| 25 Mar 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1 | |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Jun 1915: | Embarked AIF WW1, Second Lieutenant, 12th Light Horse Regiment, A29 Suevic with Headquarters staff | |
| 2 Oct 1915: | Involvement AIF WW1, 7th Light Horse Regiment, ANZAC / Gallipoli | |
| 14 Feb 1916: | Transferred AIF WW1, 54th Infantry Battalion | |
| 1 Mar 1916: | Promoted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 54th Infantry Battalion | |
| 19 Jul 1916: | Wounded AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 54th Infantry Battalion | |
| 28 Aug 1916: | Honoured Military Cross, Recommended 3/8/1916 / Awarded 28/8/1916: At PETILLON on 19th/20th July 1916, Lieut Downing was in charge of the Lewis Gun Section. He placed his guns commanding German approaches and by his work assisted very materially in driving back the enemy counter attack on our right front about midnight and the second counter attack on our right about 2 a.m. Although wounded he remained on duty, and as daylight approached and gave him further field of fire he did even better work in covering the right flank. He displayed conspicuous devotion to duty, unflinching bravery in the face of overwhelming numbers, and skillful use of his guns in beating off enemy counter attack. | |
| 1 Oct 1917: | Promoted AIF WW1, Captain | |
| 18 Nov 1917: | Wounded AIF WW1, Captain, 54th Infantry Battalion | |
| 4 Sep 1918: | Honoured Military Cross and bar, Mont St Quentin / Peronne, Recommended 4/9/1918 / Awarded [London Gazette 1/2/1919, p.1635] At PERONNE during operations on 1st/2nd September 1918, for gallant leadership. Leading the first wave of the attack his personal courage and example inspired all in view. Repeated checks and breaks in our line were promptly dealt with by deed and order. Methodically withdrawing platoons and supporting Companies when no longer required and carefully organizing the defence of the final objective, every move being regularly and systematically reported to Headquarters. The success of the Battalion’s share in the capture of PERONNE, is in a very large measure due to the splendid work of this Officer. | |
| 11 Oct 1918: | Transferred AIF WW1, Captain, 56th Infantry Battalion | |
| 15 Nov 1919: | Discharged AIF WW1, Captain, 56th Infantry Battalion |
World War 2 Service
| 7 Aug 1942: | Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant Colonel, NX125728, 56 Infantry Battalion AMF | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Aug 1944: | Discharged Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Lieutenant Colonel, NX125728, 56 Infantry Battalion AMF |
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