Years of service 1915–1919 Died August 7, 1957 Unit 24th Battalion Rank Private | Awards Military Medal & Bar Allegiance Australia Name John Cotter | |
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Buried at North Albury, NSW, Australia Battles/wars First World War
Western Front Place of burial North Albury, New South Wales, Albury–Wodonga, Australia Service/branch First Australian Imperial Force Battles and wars Western Front, World War I | ||
John William Cotter, MM & Bar (15 December 1896 – 7 August 1957) was a decorated Australian soldier of the First World War. He received the Military Medal and Bar as a lance corporal on the Western Front.
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Early life
John William Cotter was born in Glenrowan, Victoria, on 15 December 1896. He was the fourth child of James and Catherine Cotter.
Military Medal
On 14 October 1917 the Brigadier General Commanding the 6th Australian Infantry Brigade recommended Cotter for the Military Medal. The citation read:
For conspicuouse gallantry near Broodseinde in the attack on DAISY WOOD on the 9th Oct. This NCO along with Pte ADOLFSON showed utter disregard of personal danger for when the advance was temporarily held up, he went forward and with rifle grenades materially assisted the action of the Lewis Gun in clearing up an enemy post. Whilst furthering the gain this NCO was wounded.
Bar to the Military Medal
On 7 September 1918, Brigadier General J C Robertson—Commander of the 6th Australian Infantry Brigade—recommended Cotter be a awarded a Bar to his Military Medal. The recommendation stating:
During the attack on MT ST QUENTIN near PERONNE on 1st Sept 1918, this NCO acted as a Lewis Gunner, until, when nearing the final objective, he was wounded. His wound necessitated his going back to the RAP to be dressed, but he refused to be evacuated and insisted on returning to his platoon. The nature of his wound prevented his carrying on as a Lewis Gunner so he volunteered to act as a Stretcher Bearer and behaved splendidly. For more than 12 hours and in spite of his wounds, and the heaviest machine gun fire and shell fire, he continued his work and his devotion to duty was thus responsible for saving many lives.
Later life
Cotter died on 7 August 1957 at age 60 and is now buried at the Waugh Road Monumental Cemetery, North Albury.