World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Carrieton, Southern Australia, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 16th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. On July 4, 1918, at the Battle of Hamel France, Lance Corporal Axford's platoon was attacked after reaching the enemy defenses. Machine guns inflicted many casualties among his comrades plus other platoons, when he dashed forward to the flank the German machine gun crews. He jumped into the trench and charged with his bayonet. In all, he killed ten enemy soldiers, captured six and their machine guns. For conspicuous bravery, he was promoted Corporal and awarded the Victoria Cross on August 17, 1918. During World War II, he served in the Australian Echelon Records and Service Office. He died at age 89 on board a plane returning to Australia, between Dubai and Hong Kong, after being at a reunion with other Victoria Cross recipients.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Carrieton, Southern Australia, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 16th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. On July 4, 1918, at the Battle of Hamel France, Lance Corporal Axford's platoon was attacked after reaching the enemy defenses. Machine guns inflicted many casualties among his comrades plus other platoons, when he dashed forward to the flank the German machine gun crews. He jumped into the trench and charged with his bayonet. In all, he killed ten enemy soldiers, captured six and their machine guns. For conspicuous bravery, he was promoted Corporal and awarded the Victoria Cross on August 17, 1918. During World War II, he served in the Australian Echelon Records and Service Office. He died at age 89 on board a plane returning to Australia, between Dubai and Hong Kong, after being at a reunion with other Victoria Cross recipients.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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