New Medal Groups

Trio: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.1914/15 Star and Victory Medal impressed to 290 PTE (T-CPL on pair) M. A. ELLIS 3 L. H. RGT AIF

CPL Ellis embarked on the 22^nd October 1914 from Adelaide with the 3^rd Light Horse Regiment AIF.

Proceeded to join M.E.F Gallipoli 9^th May 1915

Wounded in action “G.S.W to Left foot” on the 17^th January 1917 El-Arish

Returned to Australia on the 15^th November 1918 due to being an original 1914 enlistee. An impressive service of 4 years and 189 days.

Gd VF $950

Four: British War, Victory, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 1939/45. WW1 medals impressed to 5080 PTE. W. T. DOHERTY 48 BN AIF. WW2 medals impressed W13148 W. T. DOHERTY.

Previous service stated as the 85^th Regiment 29^th December 1915

EMB: 31^st March 1916 as a Private with the 16^th Battalion from Fremantle

Transferred to 48^th Battalion 13^th August 1916

Charged with leaving a post without orders and originally sentenced to 10 years and commuted to 2 years on the 10^th September 1916.

Sentence was suspended on the 27^th November 1917 by letter of remission and Private Doherty was returned to his unit from Military Prison.

WIA: “Gun shot wound left ankle” 5^th April 1918 France

RTA: 15^th September 1918 due to injury

WW2 service states William Thomas Doherty enlisted as W13148 with the Catering Corps as a driver on the 5th September 1940. Discharging in 1948 at the age of 50

Note: Comes with WW1 & WW2 dog tags named to recipient.  

GF VF SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 12602 PTE P. CARROLL 11- F. AMB. A.I.F.

Previous Service: stated as “12 years RAGA June expired”

EMB: 30^th June1916 with the 11^th Field Ambulance from Melbourne age 43

Transferred to 3^rd San. Sect. 2^nd May 1917

RTA: 23^rd  March1919 due to defective eyes

VF $375

PAIR: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19 correctly impressed to 23/2152 Pte G. Blake NZEF. Together with Death Plaque correctly named to George Blake

Private Blake embarked with the 1^st Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade on the 1^st April 1916

Died of wounds 24^th August 1918 with the 2^nd Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment

Buried at Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, Somme, France.

Note: Interestingly Private Blake had been previously reported as “killed in action” when wounded in 1916. Sold with research

VF $470

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to FRANK GREEN.

Frank Green embarked in August 1916 from Melbourne as the Australian YMCA Representative (attached 3rd Infantry Brigade).

Frank Green died of illness on the 27^th October 1918 France at the age of 26

Memorial details: Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, Abbeville, Picardie, France

Place of association: Caulfield, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Attached is an fascinating account of life on the front with the YMCA written by Frank Green himself prior to his death

Slight surface marks otherwise VF $300

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM QUINN.

Comes with article stating the following “Private William Cunningham Quinn enlisted aged 19, on 17 May 1916, and embarked for overseas service on 30 Sept. 1916 with the 54^th Battalion reinforcements. Educated at Christian Brothers’ School Balmain he was employed as an ‘indoor Messenger’, residing with his mother in Auburn, prior to enlistment. He served in France until he was returned to Australia on 16 March 18 suffering from TB, contracted in the trenches. He died of TB at the Military Hospital, North Head on 23 June, 1918. He is commemorated in perpetuity at the Commonwealth War Graves Section. Rookwood Necropolis”

Note: Rare to have a death plaque to a soldier who died on Australian soil.

Gd VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to ARTHUR PERCY MARTIN.

135 PTE Arthur Percy Martin embarked on the 18^th November 1915 from Adelaide with the 32^nd Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 20^th July 1916 France (Fromelles) at the age of 19

Red Cross eye witness report from L/CPL Redman gives us the following insight “He was A Company. At Fleurbaix about 6:30 in evening. 19^th July 1916. I saw Martin in Enemy’s first Line of Trench. He had been wounded by shrapnel or bullet in shoulder. I helped bandage him up and had to leave him. Was conscious and was groaning a good deal. He wanted to know if his arm was off. There was heavy shelling over the trench all night. I was taken prisoner”

Memorial details:  VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, Fromelles, Lille, Nord Pas de Calais, France

Place of Association: Curramulka, South Australia

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to GEORGE MAYNARD.

6102 PTE George Maynard embarked on the 25^th October 1916 from Sydney with the 17th Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 9^th October 1917 Ypres Belgium at the age of 35

Memorial details:  Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium

Place of Association: Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to WILLIAM RAE.

4915 PTE William Rae embarked on the 7^th March 1916 from Sydney with the 5th Battalion AIF.

William Rae died of wounds on the 14^th August 1916 in France serving with the 58^th Battalion at the age of 47

Memorial details:  Estaires Communal Cemetery and Extension, Estaires, Nord Pas de Calais, France

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to CHARLES WILLIAM WINKLER.

3968 Pte Charles William Winkler embarked on the 2^nd December 1915 from Adelaide with the 10th Battalion AIF.

Private Winkler was Killed in Action on the 11^th August 1918 France at the age of 21

Sgt Duncan also of 10^th Battalion gave the following account of Private Winklers death, “Fritz was counter attacking at Crepey-Wood, came through a gap in our front line and 5 of us in a dug out found ourselves surrounded. A few shots were exchanged, and he was killed by a rifle shot in the body fired at point blank range. The rest of us were captured but got away about an hour later when the enemy were driven off. He died practically instantly.”

Memorial details:  Heath Cemetery, Picardie, France

Place of association: Wallaroo, South Australia

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to KEITH GEORGE LAKIE.

4209 Pte Keith George Lakie embarked on the 11^th January 1916 from Adelaide with the 10th Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 14^th August 1916 France with the 50^th Battalion

Red Cross accounts of Private Lakie’s death are conflicting in the exact details of his death apart from the fact that he appears to have been blown up by artillery fire at Mouquet Farm at some stage on the 14^th.

Memorial details:  Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France

Place of association: Rosewater, Port Adelaide, South Australia

Note: Comes with carton of issue

Slight surface marks otherwise VF $260

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to THOMAS HARVEY.

4362 Pte Thomas Harvey embarked on the 7^th December 1915 from Sydney with the 3^rd Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 4^th October 1917 Belgium with the 2^nd Battalion at the age of 27

Memorial details:  Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium

Place of association: Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales

Slight surface marks otherwise VF $245

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to WILLIAM HENRY PERKINS.

2971B Pte William Henry Perkins embarked on the 25^th October 1916 from Sydney with the 55th Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 15^th April 1917 France with the 17^th Battalion at the age of 20

Private J. C. Jones of C Company 17^th Battalion gives the following account of Private Perkins death “near Bapaume on April 17^th, in a surprise attack in which they were forced to retire. He was wounded in the head and very severely in the legs and he is sure that his death was instantaneous.”

Memorial details:  Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France

Place of association: Tumbarumba, New South Wales

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to THOMAS CLARKE.

2041 Pte Thomas Clarke embarked on the 16^th August 1914 from Thursday Island with the 41^st Battalion AIF.

Private Clarke died of Illness (Cerebrospinal meningitis) on the 12^th April 1916 in the Brisbane General Hospital Australia

Cemetery details:  Toowong Cemetery, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Place of association: Cairns, Queensland

Note: Private Clarke saw initial service with the ANMEF

Slight surface marks otherwise VF $245

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to RICHARD DOWNES.

17666 Pte Richard Downes was Killed in Action on the 24^th August 1916 serving with the 5th Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Commemorated at Thiepval Memorial Somme, France Pier and Face 12 A and 12 D.

Note: Comes with photo with “Downes” written on the back of an Australian soldier, possibly relative?

Slight surface marks otherwise VF $185

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to VX142345 G. E. DUNN

Enlisted 18^th November 1942 into the Australian Army in Victoria, with previous service in the militia number V33357 (8^th Field Regiment)

Initially assigned to the 2^nd Field Regiment before embarking in Cairns for Milne Bay and operations in New Guinea on the 14^th August 1943 per ‘Howell Cobb’ and then 2/4^th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment on arrival.

Sadly it wasn’t long before Gunner Dunn was killed in action at Finschhafen on the 23^rd September 1943

Buried Finschhafen, map reference 269226 and then reburied Lae War Cemetery, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea Plot EE, Row C, Grave 2 Headstone inscription reads duty nobly done. He was 32 years old. Son of Edward Henry and Gertrude Grace Dunn, of North Richmond, Victoria. EE.C.2.

“The Battle of Finschhafen was part of the Huon Peninsula campaign during WW2 and was fought between Australian and Japanese forces. The fighting took place between 22 September and 24 October 1943 following the landing at Scarlet Beach, which was followed by a two-pronged advance on Finschhafen as the Australian 20^th Infantry Brigade advanced on the town from the north, while the 22nd Infantry Battalion drove from the south, having advanced from the landing beaches east of Lae. After the capture of Finschhafen, the Japanese forces in the area withdrew towards Sattelberg where they sought to hold the Australians before launching a counteroffensive, which subsequently threatened the landing beach. This attack was repelled by American and Australian forces, with heavy casualties being inflicted on the Japanese. In the aftermath, the Australians went on the offensive, capturing Sattelberg, and then advancing towards the Wareo plateau”.

Note: Medals come in frame as pictured along with research

Medals in frame near EF $1800

Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to VX42588 W. P. SHAW

Cpl Shaw’s service records are open on the national archives website

Enlisted 3^rd July 1940 into the Australian Army at Caulfield, Victoria. Previous service listed in WW1 from Tasmania but did not make it overseas with cease of hostilities.

Overseas service shown as “Middle East” 6^th November 1940 – 11^th December 1942 serving with 2/24^th Battalion

Due to illness contracted in the Middle East on his return to Australia Cpl Shaw saw service with 2^nd movements group

Discharged 11^th July 1946

Note: Medals come with Bible, Tobruk Seige medal, engraved “W. Shaw VX42588”, miniatures, ribbon bar and RSL badge.

VF SOLD

Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to QX2454 E. F. G. H – HARFORD. Stars un-named as issued along with Defence medal (see end of description)

At the time of listing these medals, Private Hetherington-Harford’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll.

Enlisted 30^th May 1940 into the 2/7^th Field Engineers at Miowera, Queensland

The following story was taken from https://9thdivvy.blogspot.com/2008/09/image-incredible-escape.html

22nd April, 1941. Tobruk, Libya.

The Benghazi Handicap's Wooden Spooners.

Meet two of the 9th Division's luckiest men. QX1698 Sapper Stanley Curtis and QX2454 Sapper Edward Hetherington-Harford of the 2/7th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers enjoy a well received cigarette after their late arrival in Tobruk on foot after a 16 day trek.

Left behind in Benghazi to plant demolitions on Italian supply dumps so that the advancing Afrika Korps could not take advantage of them the two Sappers planted explosives to cover the 9th Divisions retreat, known as "the Benghazi Handicap". When surprised by the rapid approach of the advancing Afrika Korp the two men hid and were overtaken by Rommel's Panzer Divisions.

Finding themselves behind enemy lines and surrounded by thousands of Axis troops the men hid by day and travelled by night where possible overland on foot. After a journey of 16 days, and 300 miles (483 kilometres), the men managed to sneak past German positions surrounding Tobruk and return to their units. Immediately hospitalised for treatment of their injuries it is not known if the men played any further part in the Western Desert Campaign. If so I believe they well deserved any rest coming to them after that.

Note: Medals come with Frame, Family bible, Tobruk Seige medal “EL ALAMEIN” clasp, engraved “E. Harford” and returned serviceman’s badges. Further research required

This is a known group purchased from the family with a unnamed Defence medal and seems to comply with the Clive Johnson statement that up to 700 Defence medals were despatched in haste to predominantly QX numbers

VF $1800

Group of Five:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX57383 A. C. GIBSON

At the time of listing these medals, Driver Gibson’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll along with photo and research from 2/30^th Association website.

Enlisted 12^th July 1940 into the Australian Army at Paddington, NSW

Service shown on research with 2/33 Bn. in Middle East, New Guinea & Morotai

Discharged 21^st January 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “2/33^rd Battalion”

Note: Medals come in box along with original paperwork confirming all five medals. Further research required

GD VF $475

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to 40245 C J STANFORD

At the time of listing these medals, Leading Aircraftsman Stanford service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 28^th April 1941 into the Australian Air Force at Melbourne, Victoria

Discharged 15^th June 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “7^th Service Flying Training School”. (With the issue of the 1939/45 & Pacific stars this cannot be the unit he served overseas with and only where he discharged)

Note: Comes with miniature group of medals. Further research required

VF $325

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to 37788 R R AITKEN

At the time of listing these medals, Flying Officer Aitken service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 10^th July 1941 into the Australian Air Force at Sydney, NSW

Discharged 2^nd April 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “3 C RECOVERY D”. (With the issue of the 1939/45 & Pacific stars this cannot be the unit he served overseas with and only where he discharged)

Note: Further research required

VF $475

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to SX16770 E J POWER

At the time of listing these Gunner Power’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 27^th January 1942 into the Australian Army at Adelaide, SA

Discharged 5^th November 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “2/2 AUST (COMP) AA RGT”

Note: Further research required

Near EF $325

Three: Africa Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to VX40186 N W SUTTIE

At the time of listing these medals, Warrant Officer Class 1 Suttie’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll.

Enlisted 1^st July 1940 into the Australian Army at Caulfield, Victoria

Discharged 4^th November 1944

Unit on discharge listed as “2/4 AUSTRALIAN FIELD WORKSHOP”

Note: Medals come original photo, dog tags and sweetheart boomerang pendant “Go to return”. Further research required

GD VF $225

Three: Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to 19052 G. CROFT

At the time of listing these medals Corporal Croft’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 30^th May 1940 into the Royal Australian Air Force at Ballarat, Victoria

Discharged 8^th November 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “2 Reserve Personnel Pool”

Note: Comes with “Corps of Commissionaires” award of merit medal engraved “898 G. Croft 18-2-74”. Further research required

VF $165

Pair: War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Both medals correctly named to 440587 J. A. THOMPSPON

At the time of listing these medals Leading Aircraftsman Thompson’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 24^th January 1944 into the Royal Australian Air Force at Brisbane, Queensland

Discharged 24^th July 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “7 Stores Depot”

Note: Further research required

VF $125

Pair: War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Both medals correctly named to QF124361 M. A. M. McCARTHY

Sergeant May Agnes Mary McCarthy’s service records are open on the National Archives Website

Enlisted 26^th January 1942 into the Australian Womens Army Service at Brisbane, Queensland

Discharged 14^th May 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “Australian Womens Army Service”

Note: Comes with box of issue.

Near EF $145

Pair: War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Both medals correctly named to Q126432 G. H. BLACK

At the time of listing these medals Private Black’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 24^th February 1942 into the Australian Army at Milton, Queensland

Discharged 11^th February 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “113 GENERAL TRANSPORT COMPANY”

Note: Comes with box of issue. Further research required

Near EF $125

Pair: War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Both medals correctly named to NF461961 J. W. SHAKSPEARE

At the time of listing these medals Sig. Joyce Winnifred Shakespeare’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 15^th June1943 into the Australian Womens Army Service at Paddington, NSW

Discharged 15^th May 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “Australian Womens Army Service”

Note: Comes with a lot of original paperwork (including service photo), miniatures and several AWAS badges.

Good VF $175

A Metropolitan Police Jubilee and Coronation medal trio to PC. J. GARRARD, D Division (Marylebone), Metropolitan Police. 

Trio: 1887 Metropolitan Police Jubilee Medal (Bar - 1897) named to PC. J. GARRARD. D. Divn. 1902 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD. D. Div. 1911 Metropolitan Police Coronation Medal named to P.C. J. GARRARD.

VF SOLD