Australian Imperial forces.

130 Horsferry Road, Westminster SW 1.

27 February 1919.

Dear Elkington.

I have only now been advised of the award to you of the Military Cross otherwise I would have written much earlier to send you my congratulations.

I now congratulate you most heartily on this distinction which you have fully deserved for your particular gallant and good work in our operations near Villers-Bretoneaux on 8 August last.

You displayed great courage and determination in capturing two strong posts which were holding up the advance disposing of several of the garrison and taking the remainder prisoner in the course of your advance. You dealt similarly with another post and were leading an attack on a minenwerfer position when you were wounded and had to be evacuated.

Thank you very much for your good work in which you set a fine example to your men of courage and devotion to duty.

With my kind regards and good wishes

Yours sincerely

WR Birdwood