Military Cross: Second Lieutenant John Mounsteven Bristow, 6th Battalion, AIF

Military Cross (Geo V). Engraved reverse with recipient's details.

Born in Victoria in 1886, John Mounsteven Bristow was employed as a school teacher when he enlisted in the AIF on 19 August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. He was assigned as a private, service number 589, to E Company, 6th Australian Infantry Battalion.
Bristow left Melbourne with the first convoy of troops to leave Australia for Egypt. He was promoted lance corporal on 7 February. Bristow landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 as part of the second wave. Three days later he was promoted corporal. In July, Bristow was evacuated to Malta, and then to England, suffering from pleurisy. After hospital treatment and training he rejoined his battalion in France shortly before it moved to Belgium. He was promoted sergeant at the end of 1916.
Apart from hospitalisation for trench fever in April/May Bristow remained with his battalion throughout 1917. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on 28 July. He was awarded the Military Cross for action during the Third Battle of Ypres. The recommendation for the award reads: 'On the occasion of the attack on BROODSEINDE RIDGE on 4/5th October, 1917, this officer, when his company commander and all Officers except himself were casualties, led his company forward, capturing, after resistance, a Strong Point on the RIDGE and consolidated his position on the final ridge. This junior officer showed great skill and judgement in the handling of his company.'
Bristow was promoted lieutenant at the beginning of 1918. He returned to Australia at the end of the year and was discharged in March 1919. He returned to teaching in Victorian regional schools. Bristow died at Lakes Entrance in November 1954.