Lt Samuel William Aldenton

Born 8 January 1887 West Norwood London, Occupation: Fireman

Service: Royal Navy 

Enlisted 28 March 1904 

Discharged 31 December 1911

Yeoman of Signals

Somaliland, The Levant

NSWFB 

Joined 29 May 1914, Fourth Class Fireman, No 1 Headquarters

Resigned 18 September 1914

First AIF 

Enlisted 17 September 1914 

Discharged 29 June 1919 

14th Australian Field Artillery, Gallipoli, France  

WIA 5 August 1917, Gun Shot Wound – Face and Fingers

Awarded Military Cross, London Gazette 11 May 1917

WWII 

Enlisted 20 December 1939, N60198 Captain

Area Officer - Kempsey

Home Service – Australia

Dismissed from the Defence Force 5 January 1943

Deceased 1 February 1958, aged 71

Recommendation for the Military Cross

Lt Samuel William Aldenton, 14th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery attached to 41st Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

On the 5th March 1917, near LE GARS he carried out a reconnaissance, in broad daylight, of the route for laying a telephone cable for LIASON purposes for the attack on GREVILLIERS TRENCH, penetrating as far as some way up COULEE TRENCH, North East of its junction with GALLWITZ SWITCH.

On the night of the 7/8th he laid an armoured cable on the route selected, being under heavy shell fire for a great part of the time. On the 10th having assumed his LIASON duties overnight, he went forward with the infantry, carried out most valuable reconnaissances, visited every post which had been established and fixed its position on the map and sent in two excellent reports. Finding that his telephone communication was cut, he brought his first report to Group Headquarters through the enemy barrage, returned through the barrage to collect data for his second report and came back again to present it in person. He showed great courage and set an excellent example both in carrying out his first reconnaissance and during the bombardment of the 10th March.

He volunteered to do all this.

London Gazette  11th May 1917

Lt. Samuel William ALDENTON. Aust Fld. Arty.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned officers and warrant officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

He laid an armoured cable to the front line, being under very heavy fire for a great part of the time. On another occasion he carried out most valuable reconnaissances and sent in excellent reports. He set a splendid example throughout the operations.

Military Cross

1914/15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1939-45 War Medal

1939-45 Australian Service Medal