10. Charles Henry Alcorn MM

Charles Henry Alcorn MM (3)

WW1 - Collie Boys who displayed Gallant or Distinguished Conduct

Saluting their Service - Grahame Old

The Military Medal (MM) for Bravery

During WW1 the Military Medal (MM) was a third level award for bravery on land. Third to the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) the award was for soldiers below commissioned rank. A soldier could be awarded the medal on more than one occasion, in this case a second Medal is not awarded, however a Bar to the medal is awarded indicating a first, second or even third award.  During WW1 there were 16 Military Medals for bravery awarded to soldiers who enlisted from Collie, and there were 15 Australian servicemen who were awarded the MM for bravery on three occasions. One of these was a ‘Collie Boy’; 2858 CSM 48th Infantry Battalion, Charles Henry ALCORN, MM & Bar 2

At the outbreak of WW1, Charles Alcorn, a coal miner, was living with his mother Anna Eliza Alcorn in Roberts St Collie. He enlisted in July 1915 and was taken on strength of the 48th Infantry Battalion in March 1916, Egypt. In June 1916 he found himself on the Western Front, France. The 48th Bn undertook their baptism of fire at the Battle of Pozieres in August 1916. The battalion endured what was said to be the heaviest artillery barrage ever experienced by Australian troops during WW1. The Bn suffered 598 casualties in two days.  The Bn then moved to Mouquet Farm where Charles was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the scalp. Charles Alcorn was soon identified as a leader of men and quickly rose through the ranks. In May 1917 as a Sgt he displayed conspicuous gallantry during the bitter battles of Bullecourt and Passchendale and was awarded his first MM in August 1917. In October 1917 Charles was severly wounded on a second occasion, with gunshot wounds to the eylid, arm and chest and was evacuated to England.

In January 1918 Charles Alcorn returned to the 48th Bn in France and was promoted to acting Company Sergeant Major (CSM). He was awarded his first bar to the MM in April 1918, the recommendation read; “For gallantry and devotion to duty at ALBERT on 5th April whilst acting as Company Sergeant Major he rendered excellent service during the heavy bombardment which preceded the attack by moving up and down the line encouraging his men. When a withdrawal was ordered later he showed exemplary coolness and gallantry in controlling the movements of his sections and affecting an orderly withdrawal”.

In September 1918 during the 100-day offensive which resulted in the ending of the war, Charles Alcorn was awarded his second Bar to the MM, the recommendation read; “For conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to Duty during the advance near LE VERCUIER on 18th September 1918.  Sgt. ALCORN moved amongst his platoon assisting to overcome opposition as it was met.  His coolness and daring greatly inspired his platoon.  He led two Bombing parties during the operations, in each case successfully overcoming the enemy opposition.  His work throughout was of the greatest assistance to his Company Commander, and his energetic conduct was the means of assisting to break down the enemy’s resistance.  His courage and daring created a marked confidence in his men and his initiative was the means of preventing a number of casualties”.

The 48th Battalion was disbanded in March 1919 and Charles Alcorn spent the final months of his war service in England. He embarked from England on 12 July 1919 aboard the transport ship ‘City of Exeter’ and arrived in Fremantle WA on 16 August 1919. CSM Charles Henry ALCORN was discharged from War Service on 16 October 1919.

Charles Alcorn having survived that terrible war returned to his beloved Collie, where he and his partner Jessie Gardiner ran the Mumballup tavern during the 1920’s. Sadly Charles died in the Collie hospital on 17 February 1929, at the age of 39 years. An ordinary man in extraordinary times, Charles Henry Alcorn is buried in the Collie cemetery Anglican section plot A74.

Remembered forever at the Collie Cardiff RSL Sub Branch.

                                                     ‘Lest We Forget’

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