Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Elizabeth CASSON of Pinnaroo, SA

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations by the 10th Australian Infantry Brigade in the vicinity of PROYART on the night of the 10th/11th August, 1918, this soldier was employed as a runner. He had to continually carry messages backward and forward from Company Headquarters to Sections, all the time passing through a heavy barrage of bombs, artillery, and machine gun fire. Twice he returned with guns to replace those which had been knocked out. It was largely owing to his courage and endurance that Company Headquarters was kept informed of the action taken by the Sections. He displayed an heroic spirit of courage and endurance and set a fine example to all with whom he came in contact.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61
Date: 23 May 1919

NAA Service record: Casson Herbert John Ernest : SERN 412C : POB Warracknabeal VIC : POE Adelaide SA : NOK M Casson Elizabeth

Herbert John Ernest CASSON was a single farmer from Pinnaroo aged 22 when he embarked for service in Europe on the 20th October 1916 aboard the HMAT Port Lincoln A17.  His next of kin was listed as his mother Mrs Elizabeth Casson, of Pinnaroo.

He had enlisted on the 19th April 1916 in Adelaide, and was allocated to the 6th Reinforcements of the 8th Machine Gun Company in the 8th Brigade.