Citation for Military Medal

6th Aust Infantry, 2nd Australian   25.5.18.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on VILLE-SUR-ANDRE, near ALBERT, on the morning of 19th May, 1918.  When his Section Commander had become a casualty this man took charge of the Section, and greatly distinguished himself by the capable and cool manner in which he handled them. After reaching the objective he organised a mopping up party, and after hand-to-hand fighting during which many of the enemy were killed, he secured 20 prisoners.  later he did excellent work as a company runner, passing over open country exposed to enemy snipers and MG fire without hesitation.

(Certified that the above man has not been recommended fro King's Birthday List, June 1918.)

Signed C Rosenthal, Brigadier General Commanding Second Australian Division.

http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1068403--83-.PDF

Flemington-Kensington Church News, October 1919

Pte J. T. DougIas, M.M.,  22nd Btn., left for England on 16/7/16, sailing via the Cape, and on arrival was sent to the Rolleston Camp. He visited London and saw many interesting things there.

He landed in  France on the 11th November,  1916, and went into the line at Ginchy. The gallant 22nd went through the battles at Le Sars, Butte de Warlincourt, Bapaume, Bullecourt and the Ypres  stunts, extending from 4th to 12th October 1917, and the Passchendale  Ridge.

On 4th October, our soldier, on his own rifle secured 40 prisoners from a  dug-out under the lake, and these being delivered to the battalion of another division he obtained, and still holds, a receipt for them. 

When the break  through occurred on 21st March, 1918, the battalion, with other Australians, was sent to stop the Hun and defend the temporary line  in front of Amiens.  How well the performed that arduous task is certified to by the French people in their great memorial where an Australian is represented driving his bayonet into the German Eagle.

The 22nd went into the line two miles from  Albert and  on the 19th May hopped the bags at Ville-sur-Ancre.  For the special work he  performed in this action our soldier was awarded the much coveted M M.  On the 23rd July at Villers-Bretonneux he was gassed and  sent to hospital at Le Havre.  He was back in the line again for the  4th of August, but after a short  period was sent back to Le Havre.  On the 11th November he left that city and  landed at Weymouth. 

He sailed for Australia, via the Suez Canal, on 4th December, and was under medical treatment here for a lengthened period, but now, we are glad to say, he is discharged and engaged in vocational work.  His  prospects in life are not nearly so bright as when he enlisted, but now he has  no regrets that he obeyed the same call that three other brothers also  answered.