Victoria Cross & VC

Description - component parts : in specially fitted presentation case cross patté (described in the Royal Warrant as a 'Maltese cross of bronze') having at its centre a crown surmounted by 'lion gardant'; beneath the crown an ornamentally draped scroll bearing the motto: 'FOR VALOUR'. Raised borders outline the shape of the cross. The plain reverse bears a central circle (with raised edge) to enclose the date of the act of gallantry. The suspension bar comprises a straight laurelled bar with integral 'V' lug; the plain reverse of the suspension bar is engraved with details of the recipient. The 1½-inch wide ribbon is crimson. This Cross engraved as follows : 726 PTE.G.CARTWRIGHT 33rd.Bn. AUS.IMP.FORCE.The recipient's name and service details are inscribed on the reverse of the suspension bar, and the date of the action, 31.AUG. 1918 on the reverse of the medal in the central boss. [Note: originally the ribbon was dark blue for Royal Navy recipients and crimson (described as 'red' in the Warrants) for the Army. After the formation of the Royal Air Force (1 April 1918) the crimson ribbon (sometimes described as 'claret', 'maroon' or 'dark red') was adopted for all recipients. When present, a straight laurelled Bar (in the same form as the suspension bar but without the 'V' lug) indicates a subsequent award.]

Victoria Cross awarded during the First World War to (726) Private George Cartwright, 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Medal citation (London Gazette, 14 December 1918): 'For most conspicuous bravery on the morning of 31 August 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine-gun fire from the south-western edge of the wood, without hesitation Private Cartwright moved against the gun in the most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. His gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination and courage of the highest order.'

George Cartwright was born in Kensington, London 1894. He emigrated to Australia and, later enlisted in First Australian Imperial Forces in December 1915. He arrived in France in November 1916 with 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion. He was wounded in June 1917 wounded and gassed in April 1918, but recovered in time to rejoin his unit in June of that year. He was awarded the VC for an action taking place on 31 August 1918 (see citation) but wounded again in September 1918, and following hospital treatment in England was sent home to Australia. He was demobilised in July 1919. Cartwright later joined 4th/3rd Battalion (Australian Rifles) of the Citizen Forces becoming a Lieutenant in 1932. He retired in 1944 with the rank of Captain. He died in February 1978, aged 83.

31.AUG.1918

726 PTE.G.CARTWRIGHT 33rd Bn AUS.IMP.FORCE