Victor Dixon

Victor Dixon (Service No 1071) was born in Blackhall, Qld.

At enlistment Victor stated his age to be 21, however he was only 17 years old.  He was single and worked as a butcher.

Victor embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A14 Euripides with 23rd Battalion, C Company on 10th May 1915.  He arrived on Gallipoli where he served until evacuated sick on 8th October 1915.

On 19th March 1916 he arrived in France and was promoted to Corporal shortly after, on 12th June 1916.  At a later date, Victor was promoted to Lance Sergeant.

Victor was mentioned in dispatches for his actions on 21st December 1916.

On 3rd May 1917 at Bullecourt in France Victor was wounded in action and evacuated to hospital for treatment of a gun shot wound to his head but was able to return to duty on 14th May 1917.  Victor was awarded the Military Medal for his conspicuous gallantry at this time (awarded 12th June 1917).  The recommendation for Victor's Military Medal reads: "For conspicuous gallantry in the attack on THE HINDENBURG Line on 3rd May 1917 in obtaining reliable information as to the progress of the attack on the right flank. Later he rallied a party of 40 stragglers and took an enemy post. In rescuing a wounded comrade he was wounded in the head but remained on duty for another 6 hours."   Commonwealth Gazette No 189 dated 8th November 1917. 

On 1st Octber, 1917 he was promoted to Sergeant.

Victor was wounded again on 19th May 1918 but remained on duty.  

On 10th June 1918 Victor was wounded a third time and evacuated for treatment of a shrapnel wound to his elbow, returning to duty on 4th Hyky 1918.  As a result of his actions at this time, Victor was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (awarded 29th June 1918).  The recommendation for his Distinguished Conduct Medal reads: "For conspicuous and fearless work on the morning of 19th May 1918, at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE near ALBERT. He commanded a detached mopping-up party which did magnificent work clearing the village. With greatest dash he closed on two enemy machine guns which were firing, personally shot one of the gunners and captured both guns with their remaining crews. Co-operating splendidly with the centre mopping-up party he drove one enemy officer and 12 other ranks into their hands. With cool determination he led his party through the village systematically searching each house and capturing 12 of the enemy and killing a good number. Though slightly wounded he carried on until the village was cleared. He showed splendid leadership and his fine example to his men infused the greatest dash and confidence in all."  Commonwealth Gazette No23 Dated 12th February 1919.  The DCM is second only to the Victoria Cross for bravery.

Victor was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 1st August 1918. 

On 23rd August 1918 he was wounded a fourth time when he was gassed.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on 21st November 1918.

In England on 19th March 1919 Victor was court martialled for Absenting himself without Leave (AWOL) from 26th January 1919 to 1st February 1919.  He was found guilty and sentenced to be 'serverly reprimanded'.

Victor returned to Australia in June 1919 and was discharged from the AIF on 17th September 1919.

In 1924 he married Hilda Pearce in Dapto, N.S.W. and worked as a motor mechanic.

He enlisted for service in World War II in Wollongong and served as a Lieutenant (Service No N266787) with 12th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps from 21st April 1942 to 1st October 1945.