People Australia

Louis Greive, before 1917, photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

LOUIS GREIVE was born at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, on 12th October, 1894, and was educated at the Melbourne Grammar School and the Sydney Grammar School. His parents are Mr. Louis Greive and Mrs. E. V. Greive.

He entered the Bank’s service at Melbourne on 1 st August, 1912, and remained there until he enlisted.

Louis Greive joined the A.I.F. as a private on 25th February, 1915, and was allotted to the 23rd Battalion. He was promoted to sergeant on 12th July, 1915. After being in action for some time at Gallipoli he left the Peninsula for hospital in October, 1915, as he was suffering from enteric fever.

Later on he went to France and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 27th August, 1916. The Gazette notice of the decoration was as follows: —

“Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.” His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award o f the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned non-commissioned officer, for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field :—

No. 555 Sergeant (now Second-Lieut.) Louis Greive.
For conspicuous gallantry and skilful leadership during operations, when in charge o f working parties under heavy fire. In spite of severe casualties he succeeded, by his bravery and example, in getting a dangerous piece o f work completed, and later he carried in, single handed, three wounded men.”

Louis Greive was promoted to lieutenant on 6th September, 1916, and was taken prisoner in the following November. He remained in Germany until after the Armistice, and was repatriated just before Christmas, 1918.