Rupert Moon VC 1892-1986
On 12th May 1917 near Bullecourt, France, Lieutenant Moon's immediate objective was a position in advance of a hostile trench, and then against the trench itself, after the capture of which it was intended that his men should co-operate in a further assault. Although wounded in the initial advance, he reached the first objective, but was again wounded in the assault on the trench. He nevertheless continued to inspire and encourage his men and captured the trench, but was again wounded when consolidating the position. It was not until he was severely wounded for a fourth time that he agreed to retire from the fight.
Rupert was admitted to 8th Australian Field Ambulance and was transferred to No 29 Casualty Clearing Station at Grevillers and 20th General Hospital at Camiers on 14th May. He was evacuated to Reading War Hospital, Berkshire aboard HMHS Pieter de Coninck from Calais on 26th May and was transferred to 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham on 28th May. Rupert received his VC whilst recuperating on 3rd August 1917 at Buckingham Palace from King George V.
Rupert died at Bellarine Private Hospital, Whittington, Victoria on 28th February 1986. He was the last but one surviving Australian VC from the Great War.
Rupert Moon VC 1892-1986
On 12th May 1917 near Bullecourt, France, Lieutenant Moon's immediate objective was a position in advance of a hostile trench, and then against the trench itself, after the capture of which it was intended that his men should co-operate in a further assault. Although wounded in the initial advance, he reached the first objective, but was again wounded in the assault on the trench. He nevertheless continued to inspire and encourage his men and captured the trench, but was again wounded when consolidating the position. It was not until he was severely wounded for a fourth time that he agreed to retire from the fight.
Rupert was admitted to 8th Australian Field Ambulance and was transferred to No 29 Casualty Clearing Station at Grevillers and 20th General Hospital at Camiers on 14th May. He was evacuated to Reading War Hospital, Berkshire aboard HMHS Pieter de Coninck from Calais on 26th May and was transferred to 1st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham on 28th May. Rupert received his VC whilst recuperating on 3rd August 1917 at Buckingham Palace from King George V.
Rupert died at Bellarine Private Hospital, Whittington, Victoria on 28th February 1986. He was the last but one surviving Australian VC from the Great War.