The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Near Tobruk, Libya. 20 April 1941. An informal group of members of the Bren Gun Carrier Section, 2/48th Battalion, leaning against a universal carrier (Bren Gun carrier) two days before the raid on Carrier Hill during the siege of Tobruk. Left to right: SX7272 Private (Pte) Jack L Spavin MM, who was later killed in action in Egypt on the 10 July 1942; SX7863 Pte Ron Daniels MM and SX7605 Sgt Leonard William Charles Batty DCM. Sgt Batty, the Bren Gun Carrier Section Commander, was wounded during the action against an Italian battery at Carrier Hill. Sgt Batty's section of carriers circled the battery at a range of less than 50 yards, directing intense and accurate fire at the enemy gun crews. After the battery was taken Sgt Batty took his carrier to another centre of enemy resistance. His carrier received a direct hit from an anti-tank shell and he was wounded. His gunner, Pte Daniels, engaged the enemy from the ground until he too was wounded. Pte Spavin, the driver then took over and held the enemy back until help arrived. Sgt Batty was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for "his audacious determination and bravery" in this action which resulted in the success of the operation.
Adelaide, SA. c. 1940. A studio portrait of SX7605 Sergeant (Sgt) Leonard William Charles Batty DCM, 2/48 Battalion (2/48Bn). Sgt Batty, the Bren Gun Carrier Section Commander, was wounded in action a
Studio portrait of 5316 Sergeant (Sgt) Francis George Clark DCM MM, 20th Battalion, upon his return to Australia from service in the AIF. A plumber prior to enlistment on 16 February 1916, Sgt Clark w
A Bren Gun Carrier of the 24th Infantry Brigade, speeds into action near Tobruk.
Studio portrait of 3433 Corporal George William Neal MM, 1st Light Trench Mortar Battery from Summer Hill, NSW. A 24 year old carter prior to enlisting on 12 July 1915, he embarked for overseas as a P
Hand-coloured studio portrait of NX17124 Sergeant (Sgt) Francis George Clark DCM MM, 2/17 Battalion of Murrumburrah, NSW. A plumber prior to enlistment on 16 February 1916, 5316 Private, (later Lance
“Doc” Jones, one of the crew of a Bren Gun Carrier of the 24th Infantry Brigade near Tobruk, looking along the sights of his Bren Gun.
