Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1918

This Officer has served since the beginning of the war in EGYPT, GALLIPOLI (where he was severely wounded), FRANCE and BELGIUM. He was rendered consistent good service throughout the whole period. His energy, rresource, initiative and courage have been of very great value to his Battalion and Brigade since its formation. The The exceptional efficiency of this Battalion whilst he has been associated with it had 2nd in Command and in Command of it is largely due to his personality, energy and coutageous leadership during the period 22nd September to 25th February 1916.

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For conspicious gallantry and ability whilst in command of the 59th Battalion during the counter-attack on VILLERS BRETTONAUX on the night of 24/25th April 1918. The 59th Battalion formed the right of the attack on the first and second objectives. On the right, as the village was dtrongly held, it became necessary to mask the advance of the troops between those two objectives by facing part of his troops to the right whilst the remained continued their advance to the second objective. The troops had thus to advance into a pocket in which they were enclosed on three sides by the enemy. (?) standing the obvious danger and difficulty of this task, Col. Scanlan undertook it with the utmost cheerfulness, confidence and promptitude. When his troops were attacked by heavy machine fire from the village he at once despatched his second in Command, Major (?), to urge the advance forward at all costs. As result the whole line (?) forward in and (....), ther objectives the VILLERS BRETONNEUX -WARFUSEE-ABANCOURT road with very few casualties on our side but inflicted heavy loses on the enemy. The masking movement on the right flank was ably carried out and the enemy driven into the village, thus making it (...) for the 57th Battalion under Lieut.Col. Layh to pass through to the objectives. To a very large degree the success of the operation was just to the enery and ability of Lieut. Col. Scanlan.

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lt. Col.

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

May 28th, 1918

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lt. Col.

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

September 16th, 1918

For conspicious ability, gallantry and devotion to duty whilst in Command of a composite force consisting of 2 Companies of the 59th Battalion, 1 Company of the 58th Battalion and 1 Coy. of the 60th Battalion which force was detailed to attack the enemy's position in front of VILLE SUR ANGRE on the morning of the 4th July 1918 and of which force he was placed in command by my order all details of the attack being arranged by him for my approval.
His arrangements were suceedingly well worked out and the attack a complete success. The position was held by two enemy Battalions which had three Companies in the front line and 1 Company each in support. In actual numbers the enemy outnumbered Col. Scanlan's force by nearly four to one and were strongly armed with machine guns. The position was carried with a loss to us of about 100 all told of whom only 2 Officers and 20 men were killed. Two officers and about 120 of the enemy were killed on the position whilst one officer and 64 other ranks surrendered. In addition we captured 17 machine guns, four granatenwerfers and other material. Later two determined counter attacks were defeated with heavy loss.
This complete defeat of the enemy by a greatly inferior force was very largely due to the very careful reconnaissance of the position by Col. Scanlan and his officers in person and the very excellent arrangements made by him to varry out the attack.
His work in my opinion deserves special rewards.

Second DSO received as bar.

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lt. Col.

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

December 31st, 1918

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lt. Col

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1919

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lt. Col

Unit:

59th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army

Again during the operations East of Villers Bretonneux on 8th/9th August 1918 Lieut. Col. Scanlan worked with untiring energy.
During the early stages of the advance on HARBONNIERES on 8th inst. a heavy fog obscured everything and it was due entirely to Lieut.Col. Scanlan's personal energy that the correct direction was maintained on the left flank of the Brigade Sector.
Later when his Battalion was confronted with and held up opposition of enemy machine guns he made a personal reconnaissance of his line and his skilful dispositions of his battalion were inveluable in assisting the attack to be pushed forward and the final objective consolidated.
Throughout the whole operation he displayed the utmost coolness under very trying conditions and personal reconnoitring work carried cut by him helped very greatly towards the success of the operation result of which was the capture of 20 field guns, 10 heavy guns and ver 1000 prisoners.
His work in my opinion is worthy of special reward.