 Returning to France on 27 January 1919 , Statton was attached to the Headquarters of the Australian Base Depot from 25 March . Shipped to England in June , Statton attended an investiture ceremony in the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace , where he was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V. During his time in England , Statton undertook a course at the Motor Training Institute in preparation for non @-@ military employment , before he was granted a month 's leave . Returning to duty on 24 September , Statton boarded HT Pakeha twelve days later and departed for Australia . The troopship arrived in Tasmania on 26 November and Statton was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force on 19 January 1920 . 
