Historical information

Item belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:-
'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results.
He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952
Insufficient detail to positively identify Lieutenant Peters - possibly Captain Gordon Peters DSO born 5/7/1894 Adelaide South Australia. The 12th Infantry were recruited from Tasmania, South Australian and Western Australia.
9 Jun 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion
21 Sep 1915: Involvement Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion
21 Sep 1915: Embarked Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Star of England, Adelaide
16 May 1917: Promoted AIF WW1, Captain, 12th Infantry Battalion
27 Jul 1919: Discharged AIF WW1, Captain, 12th Infantry Battalion
15 Sep 1919: Honoured Commander of the Order of the British Empire
30 Oct 1919: Honoured Mention in Dispatches, unknown

Physical description

Brown canvas double sided pouch bag that opens out to reveal two clear plastic sleeves one of which has a brown cloth overlay. Attached on top is small metal ring near tear repaired by hand stitching.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten under rear flap 86 L/C A J Cruise 1st Bn M.G.
Handwritten inside front pouch Lt. Peters 12th Inf