George Cartwright (VC)

George Cartwright VC, ED (9 December 1894 – 2 February 1978) was a British-born Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life
Cartwright was born in South Kensington, London, on 9 December 1894 to William Edward Cartwright, a coach trimmer, and his wife Elizabeth (née Stracey). He attended the local school, before emigrating to Australia in 1912 at the age of eighteen. Settling in New South Wales, Cartwright gained employment at a sheep station in the Elsmore district as a labourer.

First World War
On 9 December 1915&mdash;his 21st birthday&mdash;Cartwright enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force for service during the First World War. Allotted to the newly raised 33rd Battalion as a private, he embarked aboard HMAT Marathon at Sydney on 4 May 1916. Disembarking at Devonport, England, two months later, the members of the 33rd Battalion spent the following four months training at Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.

He was 23 years old, and a private in the 33rd Battalion (N.S.W.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 31 August 1918 at Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne, France, when two companies were held up by machine-gun fire, Private Cartwright attacked the gun alone under intense fire. He shot three of the crew, and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine of the enemy.

On 30 September 1918 he was wounded and evacuated to England. Having received his V.C. from King George V, he returned to Australia and was discharged from the A.I.F. on 16 May 1919.

Inter-bellum
On return to Australia, Cartwright lived in Sydney and worked as a motor mechanic. On 25 June 1921 he married Elsie Broker at St Stephen's Anglican Church, Chatswood. They had two children, but the marriage ended in divorce.

Cartwright served in the Militia's 4th-3rd Battalion and was commissioned on 25 February 1932.

Second World War
Cartwright was mobilized on 5 March 1940, and performed training and amenities duties in Australia. He was promoted to captain in 1942.

Post war
Cartwright was placed on the Retired List on 11 May 1946. He found employment as an assistant-cashier and married Evelyn Mary Short on 4 September 1948 in the Congregational Church, Pitt Street, Sydney.

Survived by his wife, and by the son of his first marriage, he died on 2 February 1978 at Gordon and was cremated. His widow presented his V.C. and other medals to the Imperial War Museum, London.

Medals
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum, London. Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Legacy
He is commemorated in the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, Rookwood.