Alexander (Alex) Buckley

Victoria Cross citation

2nd Military District.

No. 1876 Private (temporary Corporal) Alexander Henry

Buckley, late 54th Battalion.

For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice at Peronne during the operations on 1st and 2nd September, 1918. After passing the first objective his half-company and part of the company on the flank were held up by an enemy machine-gun nest. With one man he rushed the post, shooting four of the occupants and taking twenty-two prisoners. Later on, reaching a moat, it was found that another machine-gun nest commanded the only available foot-bridge. Whilst this was being engaged from a flank Corporal Buckley endeavoured to cross the bridge and rush the post, but was killed in the attempt. Throughout the advance he had displayed great initiative, resource, and courage, and by his effort to save his comrades from casualties, he set a fine example of self-sacrificing devotion to duty.

['Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation', Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 23 May 1919, p 877, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232511575]