Links to additional resources
World War 1, Western Australia,Kalgoorlie, 3399 AXFORD VC, MM 16 Battalion, 1918
1918Overview
Studio portrait of 3399 Lance Corporal Thomas Leslie Axford Victoria Cross
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-32-P1982.187.1c
Item type
Photographs
Themes
Contextual information
Citation for Award of Victoria Cross
'For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during operations. When the barrage lifted and an infantry advance commenced his platoon was able to reach the first enemy defences through gaps which had been cut in the wire. The adjoining platoon being delayed in uncut wire, enemy machine guns got into action, and inflicted many casualties, including the company commander. Lance Corporal Axford, with great initiative and magnificent courage, at once dashed to the flank, threw his bombs amongst the machine gun crews, jumped into the trench, and charged with his bayonet. Unaided he killed ten of the enemy and took six prisoners; he threw the machine guns over the paapet, and called out to the delayed platoon to come on. He then rejoined his own platoon, and fought with it during the remainder of the operation. Prior to the incidents above mentioned, he had assisted in the laying out of the tape for the jumping off position, which was within 100 yards of the enemy. When the tapes were laid, he remained out as a special patrol to insure that the enemy did not discover any unusual movement on our side. His initiative and gallantry undoubtedly saved many casualties, and most materially assisted towards the complete success of his company in the task assigned to it.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 191
Date: 12 December 1918
Axford's war medals, including the VC and MM, are on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Year
Last modified
Sunday, 10 May, 2026
Completeness
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
-
World War 1, England, SADLIER, 51 Battalion, 1918
-
World War 1, England, MURRAY, 1918
-
World War 1, Europe Western Front, 28 Battalion, GABBY VC,1917
-
World War 1, Europe, 33 Battalion, CARROLL VC 1917
-
World War 2, Egypt, WX10426 GRATWICK VC, 1943
-
Australia Western Australia Perth Swan Barracks, Australian Field Artillery, 1909
-
Australia Western Australia Perth Swan Barracks, Australian Field Artillery, 1909
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, THOMPSON, 2/28 Battalion, 1942
-
World War 1, Australia Western Australia Guildford, COURTNEY, 1917
-
World War 2, Papua New Guinea, 2/1 Australian General Hospital, 1945
-
World War 2, Papua New Guinea Bougainville, 2/1 Australian General Hospital, 1945
-
World War 2, Papua New Guinea Bougainville, 2/1 Australian General Hospital, 1945
