209672 Pte William Matthew Currey VC.Australian Army 53rd Btn from:Australia William Matthew Currey was 22 years old, and a private in the 53rd Bn (N.S.W.), Australian Imperial Force when he was awarded the VC.
"On 1st September 1918 in the attack on Peronne, France, Private Currey rushed forward under heavy machine-gun fire and captured single-handed a 77mm field gun which had been holding up the advance, killing all the crew. Later, when the advance was checked by an enemy strong-point he crept round the flank and engaged the post with a Lewis gun, then rushed it, causing many casualties. Subsequently he volunteered to carry orders for withdrawal to an isolated company, doing so under heavy fire and bringing back valuable information. The citation published in the London Gazette of 14 December 1918 concluded that his behaviour was a striking example of coolness, determination and utter disregard of danger... and his gallant work contributed largely to the success of the operation."
Australian war historian C.E.W. Bean described the final act of Currey's heroism thus: At 3 am when efforts to reach (a Lt Waite in an advanced position) having failed Private Currey volunteered to make his third attempt and going out far into the disputed front he stood up and called with all his lung power. "Waitsy! Get in." The Germans turned on him every weapon they had; he was gassed and his respirator was shot through. But Waite had heard him and returned.
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