Percy Clyde Statton

Percy Clyde Statton, VC, MM, was an Australian infantry soldier whose extraordinary courage at Proyart in August 1918 earned him the Victoria Cross. Serving with the 40th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, he displayed remarkable battlefield leadership during the First World War, first earning the Military Medal at Messines and later distinguishing himself in one of the Australian advances of 1918.

Born at Beaconsfield, Tasmania, in 1890, Statton worked as a farm labourer before joining the Australian Imperial Force in 1916. He travelled to France with the 40th Battalion and rose through the ranks to sergeant. During the Battle of Messines in June 1917, he directed carrying parties under intense artillery and machine-gun fire, earning the Military Medal. He was wounded during the First Battle of Passchendaele in October 1917 and was gassed near Villers-Bretonneux in June 1918, returning to duty after both incidents.

On 12 August 1918, during the fighting near Proyart, Statton commanded a platoon that reached its objective while other Australian troops were halted by German machine guns. After directing Lewis-gun fire against the enemy positions, he advanced with three men and a revolver against four machine-gun posts. His actions overcame the resistance and allowed the Australian advance to continue. Later, under heavy fire, he went out to bring in wounded comrades. For his conspicuous bravery and initiative, he received the Victoria Cross, presented by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 7 June 1919.

Statton returned to Tasmania and resumed civilian life, working in farming and the timber industry. During the Second World War he served as a lieutenant with the Volunteer Defence Corps, contributing to Australia's home defence. His later honours included the 1937 and 1953 Coronation Medals. He died at Hobart on 5 December 1959 and was accorded a military funeral. His medals are preserved in the Australian War Memorial's national collection.