Alfred Edward Gaby, VC

Alfred Edward Gaby, VC (25 January 1892 – 11 August 1918) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in Tasmania, Gaby worked as a farmer and then a labourer before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and volunteering to serve overseas. Serving initially in the ranks, Gaby was quickly promoted, having previously served as a part-time soldier before the war, and was commissioned in 1917. He was one of 64 Australians to receive the award for their actions during the First World War, receiving it for his actions during an attack around Villers-Bretonneux in France during the Battle of Amiens that took place at the start of the Allied Hundred Days Offensive. He was killed three days later, at the age of 26, while leading another attack around Lihons.

Citation:

An extract from "The London Gazette, dated 29th Oct., 1918, records the following:-" For most conspicuous bravery and dash in attack, when, on reaching the wire in front of an enemy trench, strong opposition was encountered. The advance was at once checked, the enemy being in force about forty yards beyond the wire, and commanding the gap with machine guns and rifles. Lt. Gaby found another gap in the wire, and, single-handed, approached the strong point while machine guns and rifles were still being fired from it. Running along the parapet, still alone, and at point-blank range, he emptied his revolver into the garrison, drove the crews from their guns, and compelled the surrender of fifty of the enemy with four machine guns. He then quickly re-organised his men and led them on to his final objective, which he captured and consolidated. Three days later, during an attack, this officer again led his company with great dash to the objective. The enemy brought heavy rifle and machine-gun fire to bear upon the line, but in the face of this heavy fire Lt. Gaby walked along his line of posts, encouraging his men to quickly consolidate. While enaged on this duty he was killed by an enemy sniper."

Biography:

• Wikipedia contributors. "Alfred Gaby." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
• D. Elliott, 'Gaby, Alfred Edward (1892–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

GABY, ALFRED EDWARD

• Rank: Lieutenant
• Date of Death:11/08/1918
• Age: 26
• Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry, A.I.F. 28th Bn.
• Awards: V C
• Grave Reference: V. E. 14.
• Cemetery: HEATH CEMETERY, HARBONNIERES
• Additional Information: Son of Alfred Athelstane Gaby and Adelaide Gaby. Born at Scottsdale, Tasmania.

Links:

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• The AIF Project

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• Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Jun 6 2022, 1:53:13 UTC