Lawrence Weathers

Lawrence Weathers.
Lawrence Weathers (1890–1918) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in battle that could be awarded to a member of the Australian armed forces at the time. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in early 1916, and joined the 43rd Battalion. His unit deployed to the Western Front in France and Belgium in late December. Weathers took part in the Battle of Messines in June 1917, and was wounded. Rejoining his unit in December, Weathers fought during the German Spring Offensive, but was gassed in May and did not return to his unit until the following month. He participated in the Battle of Hamel in July, the Battle of Amiens in August, and the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin in September. At Mont Saint-Quentin, he was recommended for the award of the Victoria Cross based on his actions on 2 September. He was mortally wounded by a shell on 29 September during the Battle of St Quentin Canal, never having been aware that he was to receive the Victoria Cross.