Rupert Markham Sadler DSO, MC, VD
NSW Fire Brigades - Contributor Ian Grimwood AFSMBorn 8 October 1893, Paddington, NSW
Record Clerk - NSWFB
Militia, NSW Scottish Rifles
AN&MEF, Lieutenant, Signaling Officer, 1st Tropical Force. Participated in the capture of Rabaul.
First AIF, 18th Bn, 7 May 1915
Joined MEF at Gallipoli 16 August 1915 to 20 December 1915
- Egypt 9 January 1916 to 18 March 1916
- France and Belgium 25 March 1916 to 11 November 1918
Captain 27 May 1916
WIA - two occasions
Major - 14 January 1917
LTCOL - 1 April 1918
CO 17th Inf Bn 1 April 1918 to 11 November 1918
DSO, London Gazette 3 June 1919
MC, LondGazette 26 September 1916
MiD, LondGazette 31 December 1918
MiD, LondGazette 11 July 1919
Recommendation for the MC
For his excellent work while in the trenches near POZIERES from 25th July to 4th August 1916 and particularly for his gallant leadership during an attack on the German trenches on the night of 4th/5th August. He was wounded during the assault but continued to lead his men with great dash until the German trenches were taken.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 14th December 1916
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the under mentioned officers and warrant officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field.
For conspicuous gallantry during operations.
He did fine work in the trenches at a very trying time, and, during an attack on the enemy trenches displayed great courage and fine leadership. Though wounded during the assault, he stuck to his post till the enemy trenches were taken.
Recommendation for DSO
For general good work and devotion to duty.
While the Brigade was in the HANGARD area in April 1918, the fighting was extremely severe, and the strain o all Commanders, especially Battalion Commanders, was very heavy, the splendid work carried out by this officer was most marked.The manner in which he handled his command and the success with which he carried out all his instructions were instrumental in holding up the enemy advance.
Again during the operations from 8th to 11th August 1918, East of AMIENS, his work was of a very high order. This standard was maintained right up to his evacuation (wounded) during the attack on the BEAUREVOIR LINE.
The manner in which he laid his plans and his frequent visits to the most forward positions, were responsible for the complete success of the operations in which his unit was engaged.
The good feeling and fighting spirit that exists among the members of the Battalion are due to his untiring zeal on their behalf.
AMF, CO 51st Bn, 1924 – 1927
VD, Commonwealth Gazette, 19 March 1931
WWII, mobilised 1 May 1941
V64336 CO 7th Australian Inf Bn, 1 August 1941 to 30 April 1942, LTCOL 25 March 1942
CO HQ 14 LoC Sub Area – NT Force, Darwin, 26 April 1942 to 13 November 1944
CO HQ 11 LoC Sub Area, 13 November 1944 to 28 November 1945
Deceased 5 September 1948
