Medals

Single: GSM (GV1) One Clasp; "PALESTINE 1945-48" 14468457 SJT. J. BROWN R. A.

Medal roll shows service with 339 MOV/Lt Bty RA

EF $147.50

Single: General Service Medal 1918-62 (EIIR), 1 clasp “Malaya” impressed to 22409281 CPL L. MELSOME R. A. M. C.

GD VF $165

SINGLE; General Service Medal 1962-2007 clasp Malay Peninsula (23782257 L/Cpl/ J. S. Fish. RE.)

Comes in named card box of issue with original envelope addressed to ‘Mr. J. S. Fish, 5 Duckmanton Road, Duckmanton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire’.

extremely fine $125

Single: GSM (QE11) One Clasp; "MALAYA" 22979869 TPR. T. HOGAN. 11 H.

VF $200

Single: GSM (QE11) One Clasp; "CYPRUS" 2303751 PTE. J. SOUDEN. GORDONS.

Note: Autumn1955, 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders was on leave in the United Kingdom. They were recalled with 48 hours’ notice and were the first British Army Unit since 1945 to fly out to an Emergency.

The Gordon’s two main aims were to improve security and to obtain information.
In November 1955 were widespread attacks throughout the island including the use of bombs and an official State of Emergency was declared

VF $235

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 29^th. 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

Pair: A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. pair awarded to Private O. M. Selig, 13th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a battalion runner who worked for 48 hours without rest, and was continually exposed to sniper and shell fire. He was wounded in action, 17 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (3917. Pte. O. M. Selig. 13/Aust: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (3917 Pte. O. M. Selig. 13 Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 8 December 1916. The original recommendation states:

‘For bravery and devotion to duty during the operations N.W. of Pozieres 29th/31st August. He was a battalion runner and worked for 48 hours without rest and was continually exposed to the greatest danger from shells and snipers. His courage and devotion to duty are very highly recommended.’

O. M. Selig was born in Dungoy, near Maitland, New South Wales, Australia, in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 30 August 1915, and embarked for Egypt, in December 1915. Selig served with the 13th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 4th Australian Brigade, 4th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Selig was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations on the Somme, in particular during attacks north west of Pozieres 29/31 August 1916. The Battalion War Diary for these dates records an attack on Mouquet Farm. During the latter the Battalion suffered 8 other ranks killed, 3 officers and 42 other ranks wounded.

Selig continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was wounded in action, 17 May 1918. He was invalided to England a few days later, and returned to Australia in the H.T. Marathon. Selig was discharged 21 March 1919.

Both suspension claws re-pinned, nearly very fine $2950

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: 7^th September 1916

WIA: 1^st August 1917 (G.S.W Arm, compound fracture)

Military Medal London Gazette 18^th August 1917 “For Bravery in the Field”

26^th April 1918 promoted to Cpl

21^st October 1918 Transferred to the 11^th Field Ambulance

Discharged 20^th 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: 16^th June 1915 with the 1^st BN AIF

Joined Battalion at Gallipoli 7^th August 1915

Transferred 10^th February 1916 to the 53^rd BN

Transferred 15^th March 1916 to the 114^th Bty (later 115^th Bty).

MM London Gazette 16^TH August 1917

Promoted 2/LT. 10^th April 1918

Promoted LT 10^th July 1918

RTA: 11^th 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 15^th. 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:

Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to 3761 L. CPL H. BATCHELOR 20/AUST; INF:

Emb: 20^th January 1916

WIA: 26^th May 1916 (G.S.W. Face)

2^nd WIA: 26^th July 1916 (G.S.W. Buttock).

3^rd WIA: 31^st August 1918 (S. W. Head and also written as S.W. Left cheek) wound received whilst earning his Military Medal.

RTA: 17^th 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 31^st 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 22^nd 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