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 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. pair awarded to Driver P. Ryan, 49th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force
Pair: Military Medal, G.V.R. (3470 Dvr: P. Ryan. 49/Aust: Inf: Bn:); 1914-15 Star (3470 Pte P. Ryan. 9/Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 9 March 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Driver H. McFarlane) states:
‘On the 13th November 1916 the Pack Transport was dispersed by shell fire and some mules were killed and others escaped. The Quartermaster, with the assistance of these two men, immediately assisted to collect the mules and turn out transport from the Battalion and brought rations to Flers. This was during the period that Flers was being shelled by the enemy. The behaviour and devotion to duty of these two men during the time between 13th November 1916 and 26th November 1916 was excellent. They were cheerful under all conditions and I think their conduct was an excellent example to the remainder of the Battalion Transport. These two men have consistently done good work in the Battalion Transport and I beg to recommend them for some honour.’
Percival Ryan was born in Glen Innes, New South Wales in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 3 August 1915, and embarked for Egypt with the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion in October 1915. Ryan transferred to the 49th Australian Infantry Battalion in February 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war from June 1916.
Ryan was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry at Flers, Somme in November 1916. He returned to Australia in April 1919, and was discharged, 5 August 1919.
Mounted for display, good very fine $2250
A good Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Private F. B. O’Donnell, 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for the capture of 4 machine guns and 45 prisoners during the attack near Hargicourt, 18 September 1918
Single; Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 6802 Pte F. B. O’Donnell 3/Aust. Inf.
M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The original recommendation states:
‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Hargicourt on 18th September 1918. With his Platoon Sergeant and Section Leader, Pte. O’Donnell under heavy machine fire rushed an enemy machine gun and helped to capture four machine guns and 45 prisoners. He killed the crews of two of the guns. Prior to this action he single handed captured a small enemy post and a garrison of eight. He did excellent work throughout and set a fine example of determination and fearlessness.’
The following additional detail is given in the Official History of Australia in the War 1914-1918, Vol. VI:
‘Lieut. Lord, to advance quickly, split his platoon into two, half led by Sgt. McMillan. Half way up the northern slope of the spur the left stopped by machine gunners in a knot of trenches. Leggett’s platoon on the north side of the valley was sniping across at these when it saw three Australians coming from the south towards the nest of guns. They were Sgt. McMillan and two of his men (L/Cpl Bradford and Pte F. B. O’Donnell). Following closely on the barrage, they had seen a machine gun firing on the troops on the left, and they hurried to work round into the trench full of Germans, putting on a bold face on their surprise they hurled their bombs. The whole trench-full surrendered, whereupon all the other Germans in the valley fled to the rear.’
Francis Bernard O’Donnell was born in Haymarket, Sydney in 1888. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales, 6 November 1916. O’Donnell was subject to court martial on two separate occasions - firstly for striking a superior officer, 23 April 1917, and latterly for fighting and drunkenness in the field, 11 June 1918.
O’Donnell served with the 3rd Battalion Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from October 1917. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry near Hargicourt, Somme, 18 September 1918 (Sergeant McMillan’s D.C.M. was sold in these rooms in February 2019). On the latter date the Battalion War Diary records losses of 1 officer and 7 other ranks killed, 5 officers and 71 other ranks killed, whilst giving 60 Germans killed, approximately 200 captured, along with 22 guns and 20 machine guns captured during the attack. O’Donnell returned to Australia in May 1919.
Very Fine $2350
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
A scarce Great War ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Lance Corporal M. J. Sheridan, 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action 18 February 1917
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1163 L. Cpl. M. J. Sheridan. Aust: E.)
M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919.
Michael Joseph Sheridan was born in Kingston, Dublin, Ireland in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Blackboy Hill, Western Australia, 29 November 1915, and served with the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Engineers in the French theatre of war from 5 May 1916. The Australian company relieved the 255th Tunnelling Company in the Laventie/Fauquissart area in May 1916.
Sheridan was wounded in action, 18 February 1917, and having returned to his unit was posted to work around the Cité St. Pierre area near Lens in late 1917. In February 1918, ‘a party of men from the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company’s headquarters at Bracquemont travelled 40 kilometres to the British Tank Corps headquarters located at Bermicourt. On 10 February, an overcast day which saw men thickly clothed and cloaked in their trench coats to stave off the chill wind that swept across the open landscape, the tunnellers prepared and simultaneously blew two mines placed next to each other on the Tank Corps’ tank testing area.
The mines were blown as part of a trial designed to test the effectiveness of mine craters as a defence against tanks, and British tanks were used to negotiate the obstacles thus created. The group of Australian tunnellers comprised the company’s CO, Major Alexander Sanderson, Sergeant 1012 Matthew Goodlad, 2nd Corporal 1163 Michael Sheridan.... [and 7 others]... Two tanks rumbled down into the mine craters until their roofs were flush with ground level. Then, amid clouds of exhaust fumes and the roar of engines, they struggled to gain sufficient traction up the steep, crumbly crater walls to haul themselves out.
Among the witnesses to the trial were Lieutenant General Sir Arthur Holland, the General Officer Commanding I Corps, his Chief Engineer, Brigadier General H. Gordon, D.S.O., the commanding officers of the 185th Company and the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company, Majors Tulloch and North respectively, and Charles Bean, the Australian Official Historian.
The information gained on this day proved to be of immense value to the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company, then operating in the I Corps area, in its preparation of defensive works to meet German tank assault along the front at Loos....’ (Crumps and Camouflets, Australian Tunnelling Companies on the Western Front by D. Finlayson refers)
Sheridan advanced to Lance Corporal in April 1918, and returned to Australia in June 1919. He was discharged, 19 December 1919.
Nearly very fine $2250
A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Corporal G. D. Thompson, 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery, Australian Imperial Force, later Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1063 Cpl. G. D. Thompson. 4/Lt: T.M. By: Aust: A.)
M.M. London Gazette 8 December 1916. The original recommendation states:
‘North West of Pozieres. I wish to recommend Thompson for distinction. During the period the Battery was in the trenches Thompson showed great ability and bravery. On the 8th August, the night of the attack by the 15th Battalion, he handled his men splendidly, and after having completed his firing he then remained at his gun through exceedingly heavy enemy barrage, and obtained the position of the advanced line of 15th Battalion and enemy position, thus enabling me to use my gun. His conduct throughout was most distinguished.’
George Dominic Thompson was born in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 1 October 1914. Thompson was posted to the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion, and served with them in Gallipoli before being evacuated to Mudros due to illness, 24 August 1915.
Thompson advanced to Corporal in June 1916, and transferred to the 4th Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Artillery the same month. He served with the Battery in the French theatre of war from July 1916, and distinguished himself on the Somme during the following month. Thompson advanced to Sergeant in November 1916, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion in May 1918. He served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war and advanced to Lieutenant in July of the same year.
Thompson returned to Australia in January 1920, and was discharged in March of the same year.
Very fine $1850
Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to “2234 SJT: A. J. SMITH 3/ARMY BDE./AUST.F.A.”
Emb: 16th June 1915 with the 1st BN AIF
Joined Battalion at Gallipoli 7th August 1915
Transferred 10th February 1916 to the 53rd BN
Transferred 15th March 1916 to the 114th Bty (later 115th Bty).
MM London Gazette 16TH August 1917
Promoted 2/LT. 10th April 1918
Promoted LT 10th July 1918
RTA: 11th May 1919
Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).
Very large EK at 9 o’clock otherwise VF $1425
A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal A. Briggs, 20th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry with rifle-grenades during a counter-attack at Lagincourt, 15 April 1917. He was wounded in action at Pozieres, 5 August 1916, and received a gunshot wound to the right arm and left knee at Bullecourt, 2 May 1917
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1671 L. Cpl. A. Briggs. 20/Aust: Inf:)
M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917 on page 6026 at position 16. The original recommendation states:
‘These men showed great initiative and bravery when their company was held up during the counter-attack near LAGNICOURT on 15th. April they crawled within 50 yards of the enemy’s strong post and with the use of rifle grenades bombed the enemy out, thus allowing the advance to continue.’
Note: The AWM has embroidery from Lance Corporal Briggs and the following is a copy of their very informative research
"Born in Sydney in 1892, Albert Biggs, who is said to have disliked being called 'Bert Biggs', was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 29 May 1915, using the alias Alfred Briggs.
After initial training, Briggs was assigned as a private, service number 1671, to the 2nd reinforcements for 20 Battalion. He left Sydney for overseas service on 19 June, aboard HMAT A61 Kanowna. The battalion trained briefly in Egypt before arriving at Gallipoli in late August, where they defended Russell's Top until they were evacuated to Egypt in December.
The battalion moved to France, for service on the Western Front in April 1916. Briggs was promoted to lance corporal on 14 May but reverted to the rank of private on 16 July at his own request. He received a gunshot wound to his left leg on 5 August, during the battalion's first major action at Pozieres, and was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital.
Two months later Briggs was discharged to the 5th Training Battalion, where he remained until he rejoined the 20th Battalion in France on 19 February 1917. He was promoted to lance corporal on 23 March. On 15 April Briggs was awarded the Military Medal for 'great initiative and bravery', at Lagnicourt.
Briggs was severely wounded during the second battle of Bullecourt, on 5 May, sustaining a penetrating shrapnel wound to his left knee and a severe fracture of the humerus, just above his right elbow. He was evacuated to the 6th Field Ambulance, then to a casualty clearing station, and finally to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Rouen, where he remained until the end of April 1918. On 29 April he was transferred to England, to the Tooting Military Hospital in London. In July Briggs was sent to 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, suffering from disability and a mental condition, to prepare him for his return to Sydney in September. He spent nearly two years at the 4th Australian General Hospital (4 AGH) at Randwick, and convalescent homes, before his discharge from the army on 7 July 1920.
Brigg's wounds permanently fused his left knee, and so damaged the nerves in his right arm that he had very little function in that hand. He was encouraged to take up embroidery as a means of both passing the time and of 'training' his left hand in fine motor skills. This example is thought to have been completed while he was at 4 AGH. While he was in hospital Briggs' wallet and Military Medal were stolen from his bedside locker. A new medal was issued to him, correctly named at his request to 'Biggs'.
Towards the end of his long life Biggs lived with his niece, Emily, and her husband Fred Lees. She made three of her uncle's rehabilitation embroideries into cushions, which were always positioned on her living room sofa. The embroideries were donated to the War Memorial in memory of Albert Biggs.”
Very fine $2000
Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to 3177 Pte. G. J. A. Long. 45/Aust: Inf:
M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For courage and devotion to duty at Zonnebeke on 12 October 1917. He was one of a party digging a communication trench during an attack on enemy trenches and when the party was withdrawn owing to very heavy casualties he remained behind and dressed the wounded. He then organised stretcher squads and got all the wounded back. His courage under fire was most marked.’
Note: G. J. A. Long was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1894. He enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps in New South Wales, 10 July 1916. Having embarked for the UK in November 1916, he arrived at Devonport in January 1917. He was drafted to the 45th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F., and served with them in the French theatre of war from March 1917.
Long was twice wounded in action, including a gunshot wound to the shoulder and right arm on 30 May 1917, and a severe gunshot wound to the left arm on another occasion. He was discharged in Australia in May 1919.
Very Fine $1625
Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to 3761 L. CPL H. BATCHELOR 20/AUST; INF:
Emb: 20th January 1916
WIA: 26th May 1916 (G.S.W. Face)
2nd WIA: 26th July 1916 (G.S.W. Buttock).
3rd WIA: 31st August 1918 (S. W. Head and also written as S.W. Left cheek) wound received whilst earning his Military Medal.
RTA: 17th August 1919
There is confusion between his first two wounding’s and he appears only credited with two wounding’s. This is contradicted as he is taken back on strength between the dates.
MM London Gazette 17 June 1919
“During the operations MONT ST. QUENTON N. E. of PERONNE, on 31st August 1918, these two (3761 L/CPL Batchelor along with 5355 PTE Jackson) soldiers went forward to form a covering party during the transfer of troops from the trench to another. They kept up fire during the duration although both were wounded. They made back to our trench when the operation was completed.”
Note: Tragically Harry Batchelor was swept off the rocks at Bondi Beach whilst fishing and subsequently drowned on the 22nd of March 1925. A well-known local cricketer by the name of James Verner Garner (who is the only man ever to bowl out both Victor Trumper and Don Bradman) attempted to rescue him but was washed on to the rocks several times whilst trying to save him. Newspaper articles at the time hint towards Garner being awarded a medal for the attempted rescue (further research required).
This medal is partly erased with 70 percent still clearly visible. The fact that so much remains could be wear to the edge on what was a shallow striking and not done with any malice (see photos).
Other than stated above VF $1725
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. correctly impressed to 1947 Gnr: F. Nicholas. 101/How: By: 1/Bde: Aust: F.A.
M.M. London Gazette 12 June 1918. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Gunners A. E. Schmidt and A. Woodington) states:
‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 17th/18th March 1918, when during a heavy hostile gas and high explosive bombardment of the battery near Norfolk Bridge on the Ypres-Comines Canal, North East of St. Eloi, a gun pit was ignited by an enemy shell and severe damage was threatened. Under great difficulties these gunners extinguished the burning pit, with the result that the gun was only temporarily out of action and the loss of ammunition minimised.’
Frank Nicholas was born in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 24 August 1915. Nicholas was posted to the 1st Light Horse Regiment in March 1916, and transferred as a Signaller to the Australian Artillery in May of the same year. He served with the 101st Howitzer Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade in the French theatre of war from December 1916.
The following year Nicholas suffered from Trench Feet and Rheumatic Fever, before recovering to distinguish himself in action near St. Eloi, Ypres, 17/18 March 1918. Nicholas was severely gassed during the action, and returned to Australia in October 1918.
Nicholas was discharged in May 1919, and in later life resided in Bendigo, Victoria.
Nearly very fine $1850
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal both correctly impressed LIEUT. G. W. KEELER. A.I.F. Also entitled to Military Medal and 1914/15 star.
Emb. 22nd December 1914 as number 188
Proceeded to join M.E>F. Gallipoli
Promoted through the ranks to Sgt 19th August 1917
WIA 6th April 1918 (GSW Lt Arm)
Awarded Military Medal, London Gazette 29th August 1918
Appointed 2nd Lieutenant 14th October 1918
Appointed Lieutenant 25th January 1919 “promoted for consistently conscientious work” (The fighting Thirteenth Page 140)
RTA 15th November 1919
Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).
VF $1425
Single : South Africa Medal 1853 impressed : LIEUT. H.J.N. KING 6th REGT wounded in action 9.6.1851.
A superb medal to an easy to research Officer thanks to his triple initial. The State of Victoria Gazette of Jan 29 1869 under "POST OFFICE" then "BALLARAT" shows him taken on strength of the Victorian Government in 1853 - the year before EUREKA.
Numerous newspaper reports show the demise of King for embezzlement of the Ballarat Post Office in 1869. There is much more research that can be done on this Officer and it would be interesting to learn if he played any part in the EUREKA uprising due to the probable central meeting place of the Ballarat Post Office and his loyalty to the Army.
Good/VF $4750
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 4478 PTE E. L. STEPHENS 1 BN AIF
Previous service listed as "21st INF MILITIA” (2 YEARS) NSW
Emb. 15th January 1916
WIA or injury (?) initially whilst on duty in France 10th May 1916 "To hospital eye trouble" and goes back and forth from duty to hospital because of this injury.
RTA: Discharging NSW in August 1917 "medically unfit" as a result of “defective eyes”
Note: There is an unopened “Vocational Training” file in National Archives (1920). This was a scheme to give selected soldiers training in a trade post war.
Good VF $375
PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 377 PTE N. D. CUDDEFORD 1 BN AIF.
EMB: 3RD May 1916 with the 1st ANZAC Cyclist Corps before transferring to the 1st BN AIF September 1916
8th April 1917 admitted to hospital with trench feet and paratyphoid fever
Records show various disciplinary charges, all minor and appear to stem from being late on parade.
RTA: 19th February 1919 and discharged Medically unfit NSW (from Cootamundra)
VF $375
Family Grouping:
PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 6846 A-CPL (PTE ON VICTORY MEDAL) R. J. WATSON 2 BN AIF
EMB: 8th November 1916
WIA/KIA: Initially classed as wounded 6th November 1917, then reported wounded/missing before he was finally reported Killed in Action after a court of inquiry into his death.
Private Harris from his battalion gave the following statement in reference to Cpl Watson’s death; “Watson was buried by shell at Passchendaele on the 6th November with McDonald, Sutcliffe and Cox. I helped to dig them out and buried them behind the trench which was just in rear of village.”
Confirming Private Harris’s statement to be true and correct, Cpl Watson’s body was exhumed at the first possible opportunity and he now rests in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery (six and half miles N. E. from Ypres).
Also comes with a British War and Victory Medal (pair) correctly impressed to 181003 GNR J. W. S. WATSON R. A. Medal roll confirms this to be the full entitlement to John William Stewart Watson who is believed to be Robert’s brother. Further research required
VF $775
Pair: 1914/15 Star and British War medal (missing Victory medal). Both correctly impressed to 2780 PTE F. W. BARKER 2/BN A.I.F. (CPL on War Medal)
Emb. 30th September 1915
Transferred to the 55th Bty 14th Brigade 16th March 1916
WIA. 20th October 1917 (Gassed)
Discharged 6th October 1919
VF $385
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 6983 PTE M. GRIFFIN 2 BN AIF
Previous service listed as "A.M.C."
Emb. 9th November 1916
WIA 22nd September 1917 "GSW L/Foot Severe"
RTA: 5th April 1918 and subsequently discharged "medically unfit" as a result of his wounds
Near EF $400
Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 769 DVR (PTE on star). C. A. HANDLEY 4/BN AIF.
EMB: 20th Oct 1914
Joined Battalion on Gallipoli 14th June 1915
Left Gallipoli on the 7th August 1915 "sick"
21st September 1917 appointed driver
Hospital France (influenza) 21st Dec 1916
RTA: 24th September 1918
Note: Private Cecil Albyn Handley appears to have WW2 home service as N70284 with the rank WO2
VF $975
Four: 1914/15 star, British War, Victory Medal and War Medal 1939/45. WW1 trio correctly impressed to 647 T/SJT (PTE on star) C. L. WILLIAMS 6/BN AIF. War medal 1939/45 correctly impressed V83170 C. L. WILLIAMS (Full entitlement).
EMB: 19th October 1914
WIA: 4th May 1915 Gallipoli "G. S. W. neck"
2nd WIA: 3rd May 1916 Gallipoli "G. S. W. lower extremities"
Transferred to Ordnance Corps 8th August 1917
RTA: 23rd October 1918 "Special leave"
Returned to the UK and taken on strength at A.I.F. HDQRS with rank of Hon. SGT.
RTA: 22nd October 1919
WW2 home service was recorded as HQ3 DIST DETAILS CAMP from 14th March 1940 until 20th July 1941 (16 months). The requirement for the Australian Service Medal at the time being 18 months makes this group his full entitlement
Note: An early entry in May 1915 at Gallipoli of a soldier being wounded is often due to wounds caused during the landing. Battalion musters were not able to be performed on the beach until the 2nd of May and records and information was filled in as a result of those initial musters.
National Archives records have Charles Latham Williams file incorrectly numbered as 649 when researching
VF $1300
Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3274 PTE. T. M. COLE 8/BN AIF.
EMB: 11th Oct 1915
WIA: 18th April 1917 (concussion, head) France
RTA: 27th Sept 1917
Discharged: 3rd M.D (medically unfit) 26th Dec 1917
GOOD VF $995
Three: Private G. L. F. Butcher, 8th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 26 July 1916
1914-15 Star (262 Pte. G. L. F. Butcher. 8/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (262 Pte. G. L. F. Butcher. 8-Bn. A.I.F.)
Gordon Leslie Fleuret Butcher attested for the Australian Imperial Force and served initially with the 8th Battalion during the Great War, before transferring to the 58th Battalion. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 26 July 1916, while serving with the latter unit, and is buried at Rue-de-Bois Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France.
Light traces of verdigris, very fine $1200
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 4456 Pte. T. Clough 8 Bn. AIF
emb. 28 Jan 1916 RTA 5 Jan 1919
1)WIA 16 July 1916 58 Bn. 2) 1. Nov 1918 3) recorded GSW 4.Dec 1918
A nice multi wounded pair.
Near VF $525
