John Ernest Newland

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James Ernest Newland VC, MSM (22 August 1881- 19 March 1948) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 35 years old, and a captain in the 12th Battalion (S.A., W.A. & Tasmania), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 7/9 April 1917 at Bapaume, France, Captain Newland organized an attack by his company on an important objective and personally led a bombing attack under heavy fire, rallying his men who had suffered heavy casualties. The following night his company, holding the captured position, was heavily counter-attacked, but Captain Newland succeeded in regaining it. Later, on 15 April, north-east of Langnicourt, when one company was overpowered and his own was attacked from the rear, Captain Newland drove off several combined attacks and it was his tenacity and disregard for his own safety that encouraged his men to hold out.

He later achieved the rank of Major.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).

His uniform and other effects are on display at the Fort Queenscliff Museum.