Clifford Sadlier

Victoria Cross citation

Lieutenant Clifford William King Sadlier

Australian Imperial Force

For conspicuous bravery during a counter-attack by his battalion on strong enemy positions. Lt. Sadlier’s platoon, which was on the left of the battalion, had to advance through a wood where a strong enemy machine-gun post caused casualties and prevented the platoon from advancing. Although himself wounded, he at once collected his bombing section, led them against the machine guns, and succeeded in killing the crews and capturing two of the guns. By this time Lt. Sadlier’s party were all casualties, and he alone attacked a third enemy machine gun with his revolver, killing the crew of four and taking the gun. In doing so, he was again wounded. The very gallant conduct of this officer was the means of clearing the flank, and allowing the battalion to move forward, thereby saving a most critical situation. His coolness and utter disregard of danger inspired all.

[Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 9 July 1918, 11 July 1918, Number 30790, page 8156.]