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Died: 31st August 1918. Killed in Action
Mother: Kate Brodziak. nee: Milligan. (18..-1934)
Cedric Errol Meyer Brodziac
26th November 1917
Recommended for the MEMBER of the ORDER of the BRITISH EMPIRE
3rd September 1918.
Major Cedric Errol Meyer BRODZIAK. For conspicuous gallantry and distinguished service near BRAY-Sur-SOMME
on 22nd August 1918. Major BRODZIAK commanded the flank company of the Division in the attack. In the face of strong
opposition, ha captured his objectives, organised and consolidated them strongly. When the right flank of the Division on his
left were held up, he made good the gaps which occured, capturing the southern portion of HAPPY VALLEY and the CHALK PIT, which
was 200 yards North of our boundary, this assuring the advance of the Division of his flank.
During the afternoon 22nd August, the enemy broke through and his left flank was in the air and the enemy behind him he held in
position and formed a defensive flank. By his quick appreciation of the situation and great determination he enabled the Divisional
Line to be maintained, and infliced such casualties that the enemy was forced to withdraw. His skilful leadership, cheerful demeanour
inspired his men with the greatest confidence and saved the situation at a critical time.
London Gazette 1st February 1919. Page 1614 Position 2.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 3rd of June 1919. Page 943
Position 5.
London Gazette 11th July 1919. Page 8833 Position 63.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 30th of October 1919. Page 1654
Position 22.
30th November 1918
Informant; Private: 1817 George Kingsley FRY. 34th Battalion/3rd Australian Machine Gun Company.
Re: Major: Cedric Errol Meyer BRODZIAK. I might state that for your guidance that Major Brodziak was killed in action on the 31st
not the 30th as stated in your letter. At the time of his death he was attached to the 33rd Battalion as a Company Commander, and it was
while leading his men at an advance near CLERY-sur-SOMME, he was killed by Machine-Gun fire, the bullet passing through his head. He was
buried about 200 yards due north of Clery-sur SOMME, very near the big wood, the name of which I have forgotten. There are two Officers
and 6 other ranks buried in the same grave. His grave is marked by crossed triangles.
London.
Adolphus and Kate Brodziak were married in 1872 in Sydney, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:772/1872 and had 8 children.
Rachel Brodziak born 1873 at Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:159/1873. Ella M Brodziak born 1877 at Sydney,
N.S.W. Birth Cert:3368/1877. Lillian Mabel Brodziak born 1881 at Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:7767/1881 and died
in 1887 in Sydney, N.S.W. Death Cert:518/1887. Ivy M Brodziak born 1883 in Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:8525/1883.
Gladys M Brodziak born 1885 in Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:761/1885. Kate M Brodziak born 1886 in Sydney,
N.S.W. Birth cert:894/1886. Cederic Errol Meyer Brodziak born 1891 in Sydney, N.S.W. Birth
Cert:38819/1891. Norman L Brodziak born 1892 in Sydney, N.S.W. Birth cert:39418/1892.
(Australian National Archives)
Under Construction 22/10/2009.
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