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« on: Friday 29 November 13 12:16 GMT (UK) »
Hi to all, I have been off the site for a little time, family commitments, so good to be back.
James Strachan (born 1883) and David Robert Stephen born ( 1891) were uncle and nephew. David's mother Margaret Stephen ( nee Strachan) and James were brother and sister. David was my great uncle ( a bit of a family hero) so that would make James Strachan my great, great uncle.
David Robert belonged to 44th Bn., Australian Infantry and by the time of his death on 28th March 1918 he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant and been awarded the Military Cross. He is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France.
The citation for the award sent to his parents in December 1918 ( well after his death) reads:
Lieutenant David Robert Stephen MC
" for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While in command of a patrol, he encountered two large parties of the enemy. He attacked each party in turn captured some prisoners and dispersed the remainder, without any casualties among his own men. He set a splendid example of courage and initiative"
As I said a family hero and my late mother remembered the medal taking pride of place on her grandparents mantelpiece. Don't where it went when they died. Wish I did.