Corey Memorial & Diorama, Cooma, Australia
Posted by: 
Tealby
S 36° 14.051 E 149° 07.430
55H E 690861 N 5987985
Corporal Ernest Albert Corey (1891-1972) was the only soldier in the British Commonwealth to be awarded the Military Medal four times.
Waymark Code: WM1RVD
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 07/03/2007
Views: 61
Located with the Cooma Cenotaph. Sculpture and artwork for the diorama by Chris Graham.
Corey was part of the Jan 1916 WW1 “Men from Snowy River” recruiting march from Delegate for Goulburn - a total of 220 miles.
Corey's four citations read as follows:
“During the enemy attack on front line facing Queant on 15th May 1917, Pte Corey, whilst acting as a stretcher bearer, showed great courage and devotion to duty. Although under direct enemy observation, he carried out his duties continuously for 17 hours without rest, and in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. Although an untrained stretcher bearer, he, together with the rest of the bearing party saved by first aid the lives of seriously wounded men. The Commander of the 54th Bn wrote an appreciation for the help given, and specially mentioned the stretcher bearing party for their good work.”
“This stretcher bearer showed great courage, devotion to duty and untiring energy during the attack on Polygon Wood on the 26th September 1917. The greatest danger did not deter this man from doing his duty when his services were required, and he tended the wounded and carried them to places of safety continuously throughout the engagement, often under very heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Throughout the whole operations he set a fine example of bravery and coolness to all ranks.”
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at peronne on 1st and 2nd September 1918. This man who is a stretcher bearer, dressed and carried wounded of several units throughout the whole of the operation. Although the enemy artillery and machine gun fire was exceptionally heavy, this did not debar this man from carrying on. He worked continuously and arduously and was the means of saving the lives of many of the wounded. He was most unselfish throughout and cheerful at all times and under all circumstances. His careful handling of the wounded and his knowledge of first aid helped greatly to relieve their sufferings. Throughout the operations he set a fine example of courage, coolness, determination and devotion to duty, under heavy fire.”
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as NCO in charge of Battalion stretcher bearers during an attack on the Hindenburg Line north of Bellicourt on 30 September 1918. Although enemy machine gun and shell fire were intense, this gallant NCO directed the operations of the Battalion stretcher bearers with the utmost skill and bravery. Regardless of personal danger, he, on numerous occasions although the enemy were firing upon him and other bearer parties, attended to men and carried them from the most exposed positions. His efforts were untiring and he set a splendid example to all ranks until he was severely wounded. It was mainly due to his magnificent work that the wounded were safely removed from the danger zone.”
During the Second World War he joined the 2nd Garrison Battalion, which was sent to Port Kembla, and he served there for more than two years in the medical section.
He took immense pride in telling he had won four bravery awards for saving lives, not taking them. Ernie died in August 1972 and is buried in the Queanbeyan Cemetery. His medals were donated to the Australian War Memorial (in Canberra) by his relatives and it has ensured that the bravery and self-sacrifice of 2143 Corporal Ernest Albert Corey, MM and three Bars, will remain permanently etched into Australia’s military history.
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Type of memorial: Other
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