Percival Richard Ormerod

Private 3601
49th Battalion, Australian Infantry, A.I.F.

Percival Ormerod was a warehouseman, living in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, when  he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 12 March 1917, aged 19.

His mother, Eliza Ann Ormerod, resided in Clarendon Street, East Brisbane.

Percival was posted to the 52nd Battalian, 10th Reinforcement, who embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board H.M.A.T. A14 Euripides on 31 October 1917.

He was subsequently transferred to the 49th Battalion, and it is this battalion that is recorded for Percival on the Australian First World War Nominal Roll.

On 18 September 1918 Percival was recommended for the Military Medal, and the award of this medal is recorded in the London Gazette of 17 June 1919 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 19 October 1919.

In September 1918 49th Battalion formed part of the 13th Australian Infantry Brigade, 4th Australian Division.

His recommendation read as follows:

"'Private OMEROD [sic] carried out the duties of Battalion Runner during operations from 14th. to 16th. Septr. 1918 in front of LE VERGUIER N.W. of ST. QUENTIN. Though he often had to cross heavily shelled areas he never hesitated for a moment and always delivered his messages quickly. His cheerful and gallant behaviour were a splendid example to all."

The record held by the British National Archives in relation to the award of the Military Medal to Percival records his middle name as Richmond, rather than Richard.

Percival returned to Australia on 12 July 1919.

A digital copy of Percival's army records (NAA: B2455, ORMEROD PERCIVAL RICHARD) can be viewed at the website of the National Archives of Australia.