P9. Family Grouping
Five: 1914/15 Star, British War, Victory Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and ASM 1939/45. WW1 trio correctly impressed to 121 PTE. R. LEVY 7/BN AIF (S-SGT on pair). War Medal 1939/45 and ASM 39/45 correctly impressed V16010 R. LEVY
Emb: 19th October 1914
Wounded (Ankle) during the Gallipoli Landing with the 7th Battalion and asdmitted to 15th General Hospital Alexandria on the 30th
21st March 1916 Transferred to the Dental Corps with the Rank of Staff Sergeant
RTA 18th September 1918 (ex France) discharged 29th November 1919
Reuben (also written as Ruben) served as V16010 rank Sergeant with the 69th Dental Unit from 18th June 1941 to 11th November 1943
Four : 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals are correctly impressed to VX125137 K. J. LEVY
Keith Joseph Levy enlisted with the 29th Australian Line Section on the 31st January 1941
Previous Service; V72101 3rd Div. Sigs. & Port Phillip Frt. Sig. Section.
31st January 1941 promoted to Lance Sergeant
Operational Service with Lark Force attached to 2/22nd Bn;
18th April 1941 - 5th February 1942 New Britain,
16th March 1942 – 22nd June 1942 New Guinea
13th April 1943 - 21st April 1945 New Guinea
Discharged 8th February 1946
VF – EF $1850
P1. Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1969 SJT C. RILEY. 1/AUST: M.G.C.); 1914-15 Star (1969 PTE C. RILEY. 12/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (1969 SGT C. RILEY. 12/Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 17th June 1919 page 7698 position 96.
The original recommendation states:
"During the operations near Hargicourt from 18/21st September 1918 Sergeant Riley displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty. He was in charge of two Machine Guns and when the Infantry was held up on three separate occasions by hostile Machine Gun fire, he personally reconnoitred the ground, established his guns in positions and silenced the enemy guns, thus allowing the advance to continue. He made these reconnaissance’s in full view of the enemy and with a total disregard for personal safety. Later when his Battalion was being relieved, he was in charge of a Limber when a shell burst wounding the drivers and killing one horse. Although under heavy shell fire Sergeant Riley brought the wounded men to cover and freed the remaining horse from the Limber.
His courage and initiative were a fine example to those around him.”
Emb: 1st April 1915
Taken on strength 12th Battalion Gallipoli on the 16th June 1915
8th February 1917 Transferred to the 3rd Machine Gun Coy
26th September 1917 promoted to T/Sgt
8th December 1917 to Machine Gun School
RTA 4th June 1919 discharged 14th September 1919
EF $4250
GH1: Five: 39-45 & Africa Stars, Defense, War & Australian Service Medals (all 5 impressed). SX2987 Pte C. H. Scott HQ ME AIF.
Enlisted May 1940 discharged October 1943. Comes with a pair of original fiber dog tags.
VF $475
GH3: Six: 39-45, Africa & Pacific Stars Defence, War MID & Australian Service Medals ALL correctly impressed. VX1546 H. G. Lane SGT. 2/32 Bn.
MID: London Gazette 6 March 1947
Embarked for Middle East 3 Jan. 1941. From 25 May 1941 operations in North Africa including Syria. Embarked Suez 8 Feb. 1942. To New Guinea 9 Sept. 1942 Back to Brisbane with Malaria 30 Dec. 1942 then back to NG July 1943. To Morotai for operations Balikpapan 22 June 1945.
Comes with three letters from mates that served with him. He died in 1983. He is identified in a group photo in the AWM Neg. number 068561 Queensland Strathpine 2/31 Battalion.
Near EF $2250
GH4: Six: 39-45, Africa & Pacific Stars Defence, War MID & Australian Service Medals ALL correctly impressed. VX5248 R. L. Jenkins WO2 2/5th Bn.
MID: London Gazette 23.6.42 Awarded MID 19th July 1941 for service in North Africa.
Operations in North Africa from January 1941 including Bardia. To Greece 9th April 1941, withdrawn under fire May 1941 then operations against the Vichy French from May to July. RTA 1942 then to New Guinea 17th November 1942. Medically downgraded June 1944 to Water transport in QLD.
With original HQ records letter confirming all awards.
Near EF $2250
GH6: Six: 39-45, Africa clasp 8th Army & Pacific stars (unnamed), Defence medal, War medal with MID & Australian Service Medal, last 3 are impressed. NX17879 SGT A.J. Quick 2/17th Bn. AIF.
MID: Awarded for Service in the Middle East vide Commonwealth Gazette Number 53 of 16th March 1944 and General Orders of the 31st of August 1943.
MID confirmed plus photocopy of NCO’s (in which he is identified) on page 89 of unit History “What we have we Hold”.
A nice Battalion group to a Tobruk Veteran.
VF $2200
GH10: Five: 1939-45 with 8th Army clasp & Pacific Stars (unnamed), Defence, War plus MID & Australian Service Medals. Impressed. NX20175 R. A. Carr S/SGT. 2/3rd Anti Tank Regt. Unofficial engraved Tobruk medal included in lot
MID: London Gazette 30th June 1942.
For Gallant and Distinguished Services in the Middle East during the period July 1941 to October 1941.
Note; A large number of Tobruk siege were mentioned in this Gazette. The 8th Army clasp would also indicate El Alamein. A nice Tobruk gallantry.
Gd VF $2350
GH11: Six: BEM EIIR Civil, Africa Star, Defence, War & Australian Service Medals ALL WW2 Medals Impressed. Efficiency Decoration (engraved) Lt. Colonel QX2703 T.W. Wharton 2/9 Bn.
BEM: Community Service 1.01.73
ED: Commonwealth Gazette 22 February 1947
Comes with a massive amount of research which includes correspondence on his quest for a 39-45 Star. It appears some of the areas he went to were not operational, however it is a nice group to an Infantry officer.
VF $1850
GH13: Five: 1939-45 & Pacific Stars (unnamed), Defense Medal, War Medal with MID & Australian Service medals (all 3 impressed). NX28505 F. H. Bailey. Lieutenant 2/1 Survey Regt. (Sgt. For his MID).
Enlisted 5.8.40 Arrived Middle East 3.5.41 to late for Africa Star.
MID: London Gazette 27.4.44 For exceptional services in the field in New Guinea.
Gd VF $1850
GH14: Five: 1939-45 & Pacific Stars (unnamed), Defense Medal, War Medal with MID & Australian Service medals (all 3 impressed). NX20408 F. N. Smith. Lieutenant 2/4 Field Ambulance.
Comes with a printed souvenir ribbon with his name dated 1940, dog tags. and original slip for his ASM.
Mentioned in book Island Campaigns at Myola.
MID: London Gazette 23.12.43. Gallant & distinguished services in SWP area.
VF $1950
GH16: Nine: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star (all small impressed) Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal; United Nations Korea (all four impressed) Efficiency Decoration (GRI); Greek War Medal 1940-41; VX160 G.F. Sell. ED engraved; last medal unnamed. Lt. Col. 2/5th BN AIF.
Together with: BCOF Medal named impressed to G.E. Sell. And with extensive research and official histories extracts relating to Colonel G.E. Sell's service in 2/5 Bn. and BCOF. Regimental number on WW2 VX160 Korea SX 700037 & VX160 on Decoration. Comes with research showing numerous photos and entries in Official History “To Benghazi” plus 2/5th History.
Served Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Greece & Syria (NOTED AS A CASUALTY). Went on to serve in BECOF. A very easily researchable group.
VF $2450
GH18: Seven: Knight Bachelor's Badge: Order of the British Empire - first type military member's breast badge; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal with M.I.D.; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953. CAPT W.J. Cooper A.I.F. WWI trio impressed, others unnamed.
Senator the Hon.Sir Walter Jackson Cooper Kt MBE Federal Minister for Repatriation 1949-60. Former Senate Opposition Leader, Senator for Queensland 1928-32 and 1934.
Born 23rd April 1891 Lancs. U.K. arrive in Australia 1910. Took up pastoral property in Winton Qld 1914. Served in 15 Bn A.I.F. at Gallipoli, Egypt, and France. Lost right leg at Pozieres 1916. Transferred to No.4 Sqdn A.F.C. (MBE) honoured by Royal Humane Society for saving life at Southport Qld 1913.
Kt.1959. M.I.D. MO/331 1919. MBE C.G. 6Oct1919.'This Officer has throughout the final stages of the war, performed his duties as Recording Officer in a splendidly official manner, he worked under great stress and difficulty during the final advance. His earnest and wholehearted attention to duty has been a fine example to all and has greatly helped the work of the Squadron'.
Died at Manly Qld on 22Jul1973.
Coronation medals confirmed.
Knight Bachelor's badge in case of issue.
Comes with 9ct gold RSL Life Member's badge named on reverse and dated 21Feb1961.
Ex Noble Sale Lot 2067 Sale 67 2001
VF $8500
GH19: Seven: MBE Military, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star and Pacific Stars (all small letter impressed) Defence medal, War medal MID and ASM (all impressed) SX 6032 Captain J. S. Greene AASC.
MID London Gazette 23,12.1943 Australian Gazette same date 23.12.1943
MBE London Gazette 14.2.46 Australian Gazette 21.2.46
Comes with RAS badge and original documents (5) referring to his MBE and Service.
A scarce double award group.
Gd VF $2500
GH20: An extremely rare group of eight comprising: 1939-45 Star and Pacific Star with BURMA CLASP (small, impressed naming) Defence Medal, War Medal and ASM (impressed), British Korea and UN Korea (both impressed) Efficiency Medal G.VI.R (engraved SGT AIF). VX 53290 & 3/3518 D L Rankin
Douglas Lloyd Rankin served Suez with the 2/7 Battalion (so no Africa star), from 13 October 1942 transferring to the 25th Australian War Graves Unit 29th June 1945 to Rangoon and the Pacific region 1 September 1945 which qualified him for the BURMA CLASP an extremely rare award to the Australian Army (the only example I have seen).
Service in Korea commenced on the 9th March 1953 with HQ British Commonwealth Force Korea.
All medals confirmed by Neil Smith.
VF $3500
A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres - Battle of Broodseinde’ M.M. group of four awarded to stretcher bearer, Private H. E. King, 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 25 August 1918
Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5 Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Private S. T. C. Izard) states:
‘These men, as stretcher bearers, showed great coolness and devotion to duty in the operations of the 4th October 1917 in the vicinity of Zonnebeke east of Ypres. Casualties were extremely heavy through the enemy barrages of 4th, 5th and 6th and notwithstanding the shelling, fatigue and great danger, they moved about constantly dressing and attending wounded men. They set a fine example of devotion to duty.’
Herbert Ernest King was born in Touugabba, Victoria in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 15 September 1914. King served with the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion in Egypt from 11 October 1915, and in the French theatre of war from 25 March 1916. He was awarded his M.M. for his gallantry whilst serving with ‘C’ Company during the Battle of Broodseinde, Ypres, 4 October 1917.
King was gassed, 25 August 1918. He returned to Australia in January 1919, and was discharged, 2 May 1919.
Mounted for display, lacquered, good very fine $4250
Four: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private A. F. Allen, 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action in 1916, 1917 and 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 5/Aust: M.G.C.); 1914-15 Star (2552 Pte. A. F. Allen. 7/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 7 Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation states:
‘Whilst moving into position for attack in front of Villers Bretonneux at 5 a.m. on the morning of 8th August 1918, Private Allen received nasty wounds in the arm. Although in great pain he carried on over an advance of approximately 10 kilometres. Throughout the operation he showed an utter disregard for his personal safety, and by his gallantry, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty he set a splendid example to all ranks. His courage and endurance are worthy of special recognition.’
Edward Albert Allen was born in Wandsworth, London, in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Seahawk, Victoria, 6 May 1915. Allen embarked for Egypt in H.M.A.T. Anchises, and arrived at Mudros 18 November 1915. He initially served on the strength of the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion, before briefly transferring to the 59th Battalion, and ultimately serving with the Australian Machine Gun Corps from March 1916.
Allen was wounded in action in the French theatre of war, 19 July 1916 and 24 March 1917. He was awarded his M.M. for service with the 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, as part of the 5th Australian Division on the Somme, 8 August 1918. He also received his final wound on that date. Allen returned to Australia in SS Main, and was discharged 10 December 1919.
Minor edge nicks, generally very fine or better $4250
Trio: A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant G. J. Irving, 29th Battery, 8th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, who was also wounded in action, 19 July 1917
Military Medal, G.V.R. (19852 Bmbr: G. J. Irving. 8/Bde: Aust: F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (19852 A-Sgt. G. J. Irving. 8. F.A.B. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917. The original recommendation states:
‘On the morning of 13-5-1917 the 29th. Battery was subjected to very heavy shell fire by 5.9 shells. Under the orders of the Battery Commander all ranks except himself and these four men had evacuated the position. The Battery Commander and these four men remaining in the close vicinity of the Battery, during the bombardment a number of direct hits were made on the Gun Pits setting fire to three of them and causing the ammunition in the pits to commence to explode. These four men with Major Churchus at once went in to these pits and put out two fires with wet bags. This was done although amounts of 5.9 were at the time landing on the Battery position and the ammunition in the pits was also exploding, about 400 rounds exploding before the fires were extinguished. By the action of Major Churchus and these four men two (2) guns and about 300 rounds of ammunition were undoubtedly saved.’
Good very fine or better $3250
A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private F. Whitehead, 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a veteran of Gallipoli, he went on to distinguish himself at Morlancourt - going out in the night to rescue a wounded N.C.O. from no man’s land, despite seeing three men attempt the same thing and all become casualties
Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (454 Pte. F. Whitehead. 29/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (454 Dvr. F. Whithead 1/A.S.C. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (454 Dvr. F. Whithead. A.S.C. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 11 December 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘Morlancourt, on the night of 28th/29th July 1918. This soldier was a Coy. stretcher bearer. A Sergeant was lying wounded in ‘no man’s land’ and after three men had become casualties in the attempt to get the wounded N.C.O. in, Pte. Whitehead immediately volunteered and was successful in bringing the wounded N.C.O. in under heavy shell and M.G. fire. All through the attack and afterwards he worked on in ‘no man’s land’, brining in wounded under heavy enemy shell fire.’
Fred Whitehead was born in Mirboo North, Victoria, Australia in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 27 August 1914, and was posted to the Australian Army Service Corps. Whitehead served with the Corps in Gallipoli prior to serving in the French theatre of war from 1916. He transferred to the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion in February 1918, and distinguished himself whilst serving with the Battalion on the Somme in July 1918. The incident is recorded in Black and Gold - History of the 29th Battalion, 1915-1918, by R. J. Slaugh.
Whitehead returned to Australia in November 1918, and was discharged in March of the following year. He died in December 1961.
Mounted for display, very fine $4250
Trio: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal A. E. Boyd, 37th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for continued gallantry as a stretcher bearer over a three week period in August 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (2222 Pte. - T. Cpl. - A. E. Boyd. 37/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (2222 Cpl. A. E. Boyd 37 Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 29 March 1919. The original recommendation states:
‘On the night of the 9th/10th August 1918, Corporal Boyd, who was then a stretcher bearer, did consistently good work getting out wounded men. During this operation, he was continuously under heavy artillery and machine gun fire, and was working until late in the morning. At Proyart 12th August, Bray 24th August, Suzanse 26th August, Howitzer Wood 29th August, Clery 30th August, he continued to do good work showing a total disregard for personal danger and endurance and courage of a remarkably high standard. When wanted he was always on the job and apart from his personal work was invaluable in directing the work of other stretcher bearers of B Company. Corporal Boyd has proved himself a splendid and dauntless leader under the most trying and perilous circumstances.’
A. E. Boyd was born in Yarrawonga, Victoria, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, in January 1916. Boyd embarked for the UK on the S.S. Shropshire, and travelled on to France, 15 February 1917. He served with the 37th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 10th Australian Brigade, 3rd Australian Division in the French theatre of war.
Boyd was awarded his M.M. for gallantry as stretcher bearer in operations on the Somme, over a three week period in August 1918. The Battalion War Diary for this month records the 37th Battalion suffering casualties of 4 officers (including the CO) and 34 other ranks killed, 12 officers and 257 other ranks wounded, and one officer and 14 other ranks died of wounds.
Boyd continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was wounded in action. He returned to Australia in the S.S Nestor, 20 May 1919, and was discharged 9 August 1919. Boyd died in November 1956.
Minor edge bruising overall, therefore very fine $3750
Trio: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private C. McCabe, 55th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for continued acts of gallantry over a 11 month period in 1918, in particular during the Spring Offensive, and at Peronne, 1 September 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (5418 Pte. C. McCabe. 55/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (5418 Pte. C. McCabe. 55 - Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. The original recommendation states:
‘For continued gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 25th February 1918 to 31st December 1918. During these periods Pte. McCabe was a member of his Company permanent patrol and many were his acts of gallantry and devotion to duty indicating an utter disregard of personal safety. Whilst the Battalion was in the line north of Villiers Bretonneux during the months of April and May 1918, his work was marked and won for him the admiration and confidence of all with whom he was associated. During the operations at Peronne on 1st September 1918, his coolness and energy under heavy fire so cheered and inspired his comrades that the operation was helped to a great degree by his personal example.’
Generally very fine or better $3750
Trio: A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private A. Delury, 25th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who received a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder in the process of winning the M.M., and was later gassed 12 May 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (4797 Pte. A. Delury. 25/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (4797 Sgt. A. Delury. 25-Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation states:
‘At Westhoek Ridge 20th September 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, when despite heavy shell fire he laid out telephone wires to the front line, and by repairing continual breaks, consequent upon enemy shell fire, he maintained communications throughout.’
A. Delury was born in Woolwich, Kent, in 1893. He was employed as a Well Borer prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force, in January 1916. Delury served with the 25th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 7th Australian Brigade, 2nd Australian Division in the French theatre of war from November 1916.
Delury was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations at Ypres, in particular during the attack on Westhoek Ridge, 20/21 September 1917. The Battalion War Diary for this date records that all objectives were taken and consolidated, with the 25th Battalion suffering casualties of one officer and 32 other ranks killed, one officer and 9 other ranks died of wounds, 3 officers and 135 other ranks wounded and 4 other ranks missing. Delury was amongst the Battalion’s wounded for that day, having suffered a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder.
Delury continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was gassed, 12 May 1918. He returned to Australia in the H.M.A.T. Border, 9 December 1919, and was discharged ‘medically unfit’ 27 April 1920.
Generally very fine or better $3750
Trio: Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Military Medal correctly impressed 2052 PTE A. COOPER 42/AUST INF and British War and Victory Medals correctly impressed to 2052 PTE A. W. BROWNE 42 BN. A.I.F.
Emb: 7th September 1916
WIA: 1st August 1917 (G.S.W Arm, compound fracture)
Military Medal London Gazette 18th August 1917 “For Bravery in the Field”
26th April 1918 promoted to Cpl
21st October 1918 Transferred to the 11th Field Ambulance
Discharged 20th May 1919
Records show that Private Browne/Cooper was awarded his Military Medal "in the field" and as a result no citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research
Note: Albert William Brown - alias ‘Albert Cooper’ – It was in March 1918 that he revealed his true identity as Albert William Browne, rather than ‘Albert Cooper’; Statutory Declaration to this effect is in his personnel file.
GD VF $3250
A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Lance Corporal F. J. A. Bent, 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, originally recommended for the D.C.M. for his gallantry at Morlancourt, 19 May 1918, he was subsequently wounded in action, 31 May 1918
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 4512 Pte F. J. A. Bent. 18/Aust: Inf:
M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:
‘For conspicuous bravery. On reaching the objective in the attack near Morlancourt on the 19th inst. [May], it was found that no machine guns had arrived and this soldier immediately returned across the area which was swept by intense machine gun and rifle fire to a spot where we had suffered most casualties in penetrating the enemy’s wire. On searching the ground, he found a gun of which the gunners had been killed and returned with it to where his platoon was holding the line. He immediately went back again and brought in another gun under similar circumstances. On making a third trip Pte Bent obtained several panniers of machine gun ammunition which had been lost on the way across. His conduct throughout was extremely cool and his bearing inspired the remainder of the men.’
Francis Joseph Arthur Bent was born in Wangaratta, Victoria in 1884. A printer by trade, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, 10 October 1916. Bent was initially posted for service with the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, and then to the 61st in July 1917.
Bent transferred to the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, 13 October 1917, and served with them in the French theatre of war from 9 April 1918. The following month he distinguished himself at Moralncourt, and was wounded in action, 31 May 1918. Bent advanced to Lance Corporal in October 1918, and returned to Australia in April 1919. He was discharged in July 1919.
VF $2250
A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal A. L. Fraser, 60th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his repeated gallantry during a night raid on July Farm, east of Wytschaete, 13/14 March 1918. He was wounded in action on the Western Front, 2 September 1918
Single; Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 1940 Cpl A. L. Fraser. 60/Aust: Inf:
M.M. London Gazette 25 April 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For conspicuous bravery and initiative during a raid on July Farm, east of Wytschaete, on the night of the 13th/14th March 1918. This NCO accompanied Lieutenant John Charles Moore [M.C. and Bar, M.M.] and helped him to get the men into position. When the barrage lifted, he was one of the first to enter the enemy’s position and received the prisoners from Lieutenant Moore. During the whole action he showed a daring and disregard for his own personal safety which was a distinct encouragement to his men and of great assistance to Lieutenant Moore. He stayed behind with Lieutenant Moore and helped this officer to carry in a wounded man under heavy machine gun fire. His work in helping with the organisation of the party and in the training previous to the raid went far to ensure its ultimate success. Strength of raiding party - one officer and twenty other ranks.’
Albert Leopold Fraser was born in Bendigo, Victoria in 1896. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, 15 January 1915. Fraser served with the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli, and was evacuated to hospital with frostbite, 8 December 1915. He transferred to the 60th Australian Infantry Battalion in July 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war from that month.
Fraser advanced to Corporal in February 1917, and was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry at July Farm, east of Wytschaete, Ypres, 13/14 March 1918. He was wounded in action, 2 September 1918. Fraser returned to Australia in December 1918, and was discharged in January 1919.
Suspension claw re-pinned, nearly very fine $2000
