THE Anzac legend continues to shape Australia’s identity and character and as a community we should join together in a show of patriotism and respect for those men and women who have served their country in conflict and war.
Three Coleambally men showed bravery and responsibility during the first and second world wars to receive awards for their service.
Laurie Jennings fought in the Second World War and received a conspicuous devotion to duty and outstanding service.
Joseph Hardy served in the English army where he was recognised with a military cross and James Edward Cull, after whom Jimmy Cull Road was named, was awarded the Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal for actions during World War I.
During the attack on the position held by this Battalion in front of Reincourt on 15/5/1917 Private Cull was twice manning a Lewis Gun. His position was blown out by the enemy artillery fire but Cull stuck to his gun.
When the attack was launched he did excellent work by enfilading the German troops who were attacking the Battalion on the left. He killed a number of the enemy, and by his action showed great initiative and courage.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Private James Edward Cull
At Perone during operations on the 1st and 2nd September 1918, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
The platoon was held up by a well concealed machine gun which was causing heavy casualties. This NCO went forward alone with his Lewis gun and succeeded in locating and silencing the enemy.
Moving on boldly attacked the position capturing 50 prisoners including two officers who were apparently laying in wait for the further advance of his platoon. The bold action of this N.C.O undoubtedly prevented the loss of the remainder of the platoon.
Conspicuous devotion to duty and outstanding service
Lance Sergeant Laurie Jennings
Jennings served in the Middle East, Ceylon and the Buna-Sanananda Campaigns and in all of these areas his work was of the highest order and an example to the men of his section.
During the period January to March, 1945, in the operations in the Aitape coastal area of the 19 Aust. Inf. Bde. Gp and 16 Aust. Inf. Bde. Gp, Lance Sergeant Jennings was given the responsibility to NCO i.c of a cable detachment which built and maintained the divisional line to forward unit from the Drinimour River to Dagua.
The advance of our forces was swift and Lance Sergeant Jennings was faced with many difficult problems. These he overcame by efficient planning and hard work and thus provided for adequate communications at all times. In this regard his work was at many times hampered by floods and difficult terrain but at no time did he allow this to interfere with his work. He displayed much ingenuity to counter these problems and at all times showed initiative and ability well above the average.
Throughout this campaign the success of Lance Sergeant Jennings and his party in keeping open lines of communications to forward units at all times has been due to sheer hard work on this NCOs’ part, and to his general ability and leadership which enthused the men under his command. They assisted vitally in the success of the campaign.
Military Cross
Lieutenant Joseph Stephenson Davidson Hardy
“On 18th September 1944 at Arnhem, Lieutenant Hardy, as Signal Officer, was ordered to lay cable from Battalion Head Quarters to B Company which was an isolated detachment two miles from the remainder of the Battalion. Shortly after arrival in this company area, the enemy attacked in considerable strength and the company was surrounded. Lieut. Hardy immediately assumed duties as second-in-command of the company and, under intense mortar and machine gun fire; he toured the company area encouraging the men to greater efforts. When orders eventually reached the company to break out and rejoin the battalion, Lieu Hardy personally lead the troops and, though still under intense fire, he succeeded in breaking out and was largely responsible for the successful withdrawal of B Company back to the main Battalion position. Had this withdrawal not been successful, the whole Battalion position would have been gravely jeopardised. Throughout the entire operation, Lieu Hardy’s vigour and contempt of danger were an inspiration and source of encouragement to all around him.
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