Allegiance Australia Role Armed force officer Rank Sergeant Name Stanley McDougall Service/branch Australian Army | Battles/wars First World War Battles and wars World War I Years of service 1915–1918 Awards Victoria Cross | |
 | ||
Born 23 July 1889
Hobart, Tasmania ( 1889-07-23 ) Buried at Norwood Crematorium, Canberra Unit 47th Battalion (Queensland), Australian Imperial Force Died July 7, 1968, Scottsdale, Australia | ||
Place of burial Canberra, Australia | ||
Stanley Robert McDougall, VC, MM (23 July 1889 – 7 July 1968) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 27 years old and a sergeant in the 47th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when he performed the following actions for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 March 1918 at Dernancourt, France, when an enemy attack succeeded in securing a foothold in the Allied line, McDougall charged the second wave single-handed, killing seven and capturing a machinegun, which he turned on the attackers, routing them and causing many casualties. He continued his attack until his ammunition ran out, when he seized a bayonet and charged again, killing three men and an officer. Then, using a Lewis gun, he killed many more of the enemy and made it possible for 33 prisoners to be taken. His prompt action saved the line and halted the enemy advance.
Eight days later he repelled another enemy attack at the same spot, for which he was awarded the Military Medal.
McDougall died on 7 July 1968 in Scottsdale, Tasmania and is buried at Norwood Crematorium, Canberra. A street in Canberra is named after him.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial.