Lt Edgar Thomas Towner VC MC

During an advance Lt Towner single handedly located and captured an enemy machine gun, turning it on the enemy causing severe losses, and capturing twenty five prisoners. He later maintained his machine gun fire although wounded and under heavy attack. 

He was also awarded the Military Cross in 1918, he was Mentioned in Dispatches twice and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. He returned to Australia in April 1919, his AIF appointment ending on 16 August 1919. 

Note he has four stripes on his sleeve indicating four years overseas service. (Donor R. Arman)

Edgar Thomas Towner was born at "Glencoe" station in the Barcoo district of Queensland on 19th April 1890. Enlisting in the AIF on 4th January 1915, he embarked for the Middle East in June of the same year with the 25th Battalion. In March 1916, now promoted to Sergeant, he sailed for France. Commissioned on 18th November 1916, he was posted to the 2nd Machine Gun Battalion and promoted to Lieutenant on the 24th February 1917. 

After being wounded at Mont St Quentin he rejoined his unit on 12th October 1918. Returned to civilian life on 16th August 1919, he took up "Kaloola", a grazing property near Longreach, Queensland. 

On 8th August 1937 he was appointed to the 26th Battalion with the rank of Captain. Promoted Major in the early stages of the war, he retired on 21st February 1942, returning to "Kaloola". He was a member of the Royal Geographical Society of Australia and the Royal Historical Society of New South Wales and in 1956 was awarded the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (Queensland) Doctor Thompson Foundation gold medal for this own geographical work. 

MID: 13 May and 1 October 1918. 

MC:  24 September 1918: " For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, one of the first to reach the objective, he got his guns into action very quickly, thereby greatly assisting the right company in consolidating. He also brought a captured machine gun into action. When one of the infantry posts was badly blown in he went out at great risk and helped reorganise it".

VC: 14 December 1918: "For the most conspicuous bravery , initiative and devotion to duty on 1st September 1918, in the attack on Mont St Quentin, near Peronne, when in charge of four Vickers guns. During the early stages of the advance he located and captured , single-handed, an enemy machine gun which was causing casualties, and by turning it on the enemy, inflicted severe losses. Subsequently, by the skilful, tactical handling of his guns, he cut off and captured twenty-five of the enemy. 

Later, by fearless reconnaissance under heavy fire, and by the energy, foresight and promptitude with which he brought fire to bear on various enemy groups, he gave valuable support to the infantry advance. Again, when short of ammunition, he secured an enemy machine gun which he mounted and fired in full view of the enemy causing the enemy to retire further, and enabling our infantry to advance. Under intense fire, although wounded, he maintained the fire of his gun at a very critical period. 

During the following night he steadied and gave valuable support to a small detached post, and by his coolness and cheerfulness, inspired the men in a great degree. Throughout the night he kept close watch by personal reconnaissance on the enemy movements and was evacuated exhausted thirty hours after wounded. The valour and resourcefulness of Lieut Towner undoubtedly saved a very critical situation, and contributed largely to the success of the attack".

• He died at Longreach on 18th August 1972 and is buried at Lingwood, Queensland.

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