The 8th Infantry Battalion was formed in August 1914, and recruited from Ballarat, central and western Victoria. Originally led by Lieutenant Colonel Bolton, the 8th Battalion served with distinction in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and Belgium.
Three members of the 8th Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross – Lieutenant Joynt, Privates Cooke and Beatham. The most decorated member of the 8th Battalion was Captain Percy Lay. During his service on the Western Front, Percy Lay was awarded the Military Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre.
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