Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler was awarded a Victoria Cross for his gallantry and bravery during fighting at Merdjayoun and Damour in June and July 1941. He was alongside Lance Corporal Pratt, holding off enemy tanks himself, when Pratt was killed by a two-pounder shell. During the period for which he was awarded the VC, Cutler, in forward positions, repeatedly put himself in danger to establish outposts and lines, and to manage the evacuation of wounded. He was seriously wounded while attempting to bring a line to forward infantry who had been pinned by heavy machine-gun fire; his leg was subsequently amputated as a result of this wound and Cutler was evacuated home. In his post-war life Cutler became a high ranking diplomat, and went on to become the longest serving Governor of New South Wales. (AWM 021777)
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