New Medal Groups

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

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant R. Hindes, 18th Battery, 6th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery, Australian Imperial Force

Trio: Military Medal, G.V.R. (29603 Gnr: R. Hindes. 18/By: 6 A. Bde: Aust: F.A.) British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 29603 T. CQMS R. Hindes 6 F.A.B. AIF

M.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Corporal E. W. Mattner, Bombardiers W. C. Chambers and C. Fullgrave, and Gunner W. J. F. Sage) states:

‘At Plogesteert, Belgium, on 1st June 1917 these non-commissioned officers and men were under the orders of Major E. T. Dean whilst the 18th Battery was being heavily shelled, displayed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty in extinguishing, on three separate occasions, fires which had broken out from the hostile shelling in three gun-pits of the battery and in several ammunition dumps. Whilst the gun-pits were on fire, and the ammunition in them and several dumps surrounding the battery were exploding, they brought buckets of water to the battery commander who was standing on top of the pit being dealt with, and worked in the pits with him putting out the fire. They subsequently put out the burning dumps, on more than one occasion boxes exploding whilst they were handling the dump. On the pits again catching fire under heavy shelling they returned in the face of it and successfully renewed their efforts. Their disregard for personal safety, fine devotion and determination undoubtedly saved the guns and a large quantity of ammunition, 1,500 rounds only being destroyed out of some 5,000 stored at these pits.’

Rolon Hindes was born in Milang, South Australia in 1884. He was employed as a train driver before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force, 5 March 1916.

Hindes was posted to the 118th Howitzer Battery in September 1916, and transferred to the 18th Battery, 6th (Army) Brigade, Australian Field Artillery in March 1917. He served with the latter in the French theatre of war from March 1917, and distinguished himself in action at Ypres, 1 June 1917.

Hindes advanced to Temporary Sergeant, and contracted pneumonia in 1919 whilst still in service. He returned to Australia in September 1919, and was discharged in December of the same year.

Good very fine SOLD

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 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

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

Four: 1914-15 Star (113227 SJT J. DICK. R.E.); British War (113227 W.O. CL 1 J. DICK. R. E); VICTORY MEDAL (113227 W.O. CL 1 J. DICK. R. E); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (113227 S. MJR. DICK. R. E).

M.S.M. London Gazette 18^th January 1919 “113227 S. M. Dick, J., H.Q. Sp Coy. (Dundee).”

James Eric Dick's medal card shows his entry into the war was in France with the Royal Engineers in September 1915, It also shows another regimental number of 5249 and service with the E. Kent Regiment then finally the new rank of Lieutenant and subsequent service with “Z Res”

 Note: Comes with “The Borough of Tynemouth Education Authority” cased medallion “For good conduct regular and punctual attendance” and engraved “Jubilee Boy’s School 1904 James Eric Dick”

Nearly extremely fine $485

Three: Private A. Amey, Royal West Surrey Regiment India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Punjab Frontier 1897-98 (3153 Pte. A.Amey 1st. Bn. Ryl. W. Surr: Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (3153 Pte. A. Amey, Rl. Wt. Surrey Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3153 Pte. A. Amey. The Queen’s)

Nearly very fine $785

An amazing family Grouping of medals awarded to six members of the Head family:

Three: 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. All medals correctly impressed to 50881 DVR. G. E. HEAD R. F. A.

George Edward Head's medal card shows his entry into the war was in France with the Royal Field Artillery on the 31^st August 1915.

Three: 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. All medals correctly impressed to T4-041457 DVR. C. HEAD A. S. C.

Charles Head’s medal card shows his entry into the war with the Royal Army Service Corps as the 21^st August 1915, discharging on the 28^th February 1919 by way of transfer to “Z Res”

Three: 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. All medals correctly impressed to 29528 SPR. H. G. HEAD R. E.

Henry George Head’s medal card shows his entry into the war was in France with the Royal Engineers on the 1^st January 1915, discharging on the 10^th April 1919 by way of transfer to “Z Res”

Three: 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. All medals correctly impressed to 82446 DVR. G. HEAD R. F. A.

George Head’s medal card shows his entry into the war was in Egypt with the Royal Field Artillery on the 19^th March 1915, discharging in 1919.

Pair: British War and Victory Medals. All medals correctly impressed to S-314114 PTE. W. S. HEAD A. S. C.

William Samuel Head’s medal card shows service with the Royal Army Service Corps before discharge in 1919. British War and Victory medals are shown as his full entitlement.

Single:  Victory Medal correctly impressed to 51351 DVR. R. HEAD R. E.

Roger Head’s medal card shows his entry into the war was in France with the Royal Engineers on the 31^st May 1915, discharging on the 16^th March 1919 by way of transfer to “Z Res”. Missing 1914/15 Star and British War Medal.

An amazing family grouping represented by six family members medals and even more incredible that they all survived the war.

Very fine to Extra Fine $2200

Trio: Mons Star with Clasp, British War Medal and Victory Medal. All medals correctly impressed to 33590 SJT. E. A. BUTLER R. F. A. (Captain on War & Victory Medals).

Captain Edward Arthur Butlers medal card shows his entry into the war with the 25th Brigade Royal Field Artillery as the 16^th August 1914. It also shows his commission date as the 2^nd August 1915. Mons Star and clasp confirmed on medal card. Shows service with 1/24 H. T. M. Battery as well

Note: Comes with Hat badge, Collar badges, “Old Contemptible’s” lapel badge, Period Miniatures and his original postage envelopes/packaging for the medals.

Near EF $550

Three: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. All medals correctly impressed to LIEUT. H. S. ALEXANDER R. E. (Captain on War & Victory Medals)

Captain Herbert S. Alexander’s medal card shows his entry into the war with the Royal Engineers Transport as the 18^th August 1915 at the rank of Lieutenant, finishing the war as Captain.

VF $265

The British War Medal awarded to Second Lieutenant J. N. Cash, 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, who was killed in France as result of a mid-air collision on 6 January 1918

Single: British War Medal 1914-20 (2-Lieut. J. N. Cash. A.I.F.)

Note: James Norman Cash was born in Newcastle, England in 1896 and having emigrated to Australia attested for the 10th Field Artillery Reinforcements, 13th Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, on 18 August 1916. He sailed on R.M.S. Osterley from Sydney on 10 February 1917, arriving in Portsmouth on 11 April 1917. Gunner Cash transferred to 30th Squadron, Australian Flying Corps as an Air Mechanic Class 2 on 27 June 1917 and was attached for flying training to 29th Training Squadron on 9 August 1917. Having qualified as a pilot he was promoted to Second Lieutenant A.F.C. and on 6 November 1917 transferred to 71st Squadron, and proceeded to France on 5 December 1917. He was killed in action on 6 January 1918, while serving with 4th Squadron A.F.C., as a result of a mid-air collision involving two other members of his squadron; all three pilots were killed. He is buried in Sailly-Labourse Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Sold with a comprehensive file of copied research and an original photograph of the recipient in uniform.

Nearly extremely fine $1475

Three: Lance-Corporal E. L. Hignett, 3rd Battalion Australian Imperial Force 1914-15 Star (1285 Pte E. L. Hignett. 3/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (1285 L-Cpl. E. L. Hignett. 3-Bn. A.I.F.)

Lance Corporal Ernest Lewis Hignett's embarked on the 20^th October 1914 with the 3^rd Battalion

The Red Cross file on Ernest gives us the following eyewitness statements as to what happened to him on Gallipoli shortly after he landed

“This happened a fortnight after we had landed (April 25^th)”

“In a trench in front of Lone Pine”

“Hignett was sitting in a dug-out with Cpl Hane of the 3^rd. Batt, from whom I obtained the following information later”. “A shell came through the wall of the dug-out and took his knee right off. He was carried away on a stretcher. He never winged and sat up to the salute as he passed Major Lamb, who seeing his condition was moved to tears. He was taken to the beach.”

Lance Corporal Ernest Lewis Hignett died in hospital in Egypt from the wound he sustained at Gallipoli serving in the 3^rd Battalion A.I.F. on the 17^th May 1915

He is buried at Chatby Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt

The eyewitness statements leave no doubt as to how tough a man Hignett was, he took his injury in his stride when most people would understandably be in hysterics.

Good very fine $1250

Three: Private P. R. Church, 25th Battalion Australian Imperial Force 1914-15 Star (57 Pte P. R. Church. 25/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (57 Pte P. R. Church. 25 Bn. A.I.F.);

Private Percy Robert Church embarked on the 29^th June 1915 with the Alpha Company of the 25^th Battalion A.I.F. for Gallipoli serving four and a half months before Dysentery took its toll on him.

Private church’s medical record give us a rare insight into the effects of dysentery on Gallipoli when recording his weight “Gallipoli in Dec. 1915, Wt. 11.5. , Wt. on enlistment 12 St. 2 lbs”

Transferred to the 49^th Battalion on the 3^rd November 1916 France

Unable to shake his illness that had followed him from Gallipoli all through his service discharging from the A.I.F. on the 10^th October 1917 in the U.K. classed as “permanently unfit for general service”.

Note: Comes with his numbered A.I.F. ‘Returned from active service badge’,

Nearly extremely fine $875

Three: Sergeant J. Dear, East Surrey Regiment 1914-15 Star (4440 Pte. J. Dear. E. Surr. R.); British War and Victory Medals (4440 Sjt. J. Dear. E. Surr. R.)

Good very fine $195

Three: Private A. Sands, East Surrey Regiment 1914-15 Star (2019. Pte. A. Sands. E. Surr. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2019 Pte. A. Sands. E. Surr. R.)

Note: Arthur Sands attested for the East Surrey Regiment, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 1 April 1915.

Good very fine $195

Three: Private W. Cooper, Suffolk Regiment 1914-15 Star (7620 Pte. W. Cooper. Suff: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7620 Pte. W. Cooper. Suff. R.)

Note: William Cooper attested for the Suffolk Regiment, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 January 1915. He was discharged time expired on 13 October 1919.

Very fine $195

Six: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to NX55552 E. R. CHARLES. Stars un-named as often issued.

Enlisted 1^st July 1940 into the Australian Army at Paddington, residing at Waverley NSW

Discharged 30^TH November 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “2/25^TH FLD PK COY ENGRS”

Good solid service all the way through from the African campaign to the Pacific

VF + $345

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 WX284 G. J. STRAUGHAN. Stars un-named as often issued.

At the time of listing these medals Sergeant George James Straughan’s service records were still sealed.

The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 7^th November 1939 into the Australian Army at Subiaco, WA

Discharged 1^ST March 1944

Unit on discharge listed as “2/11^TH BATTALION 6 DIVISION”

Note: With the service number WX284 we know that Sergeant Straughan enlisted on the very first day of enlistment in 1939. The “Western Mail” newspaper dated the 9^th January 1941 lists a “Virgilian Honour Roll” giving us an insight of his service and shows us he was still overseas at that time.  “Cocky's Offsider" WX284 Sgt G. I. Straughan, A/A Platoon, Headquarters Coy.. 2/11 Battalion. AIF. Abroad”

The “Mirror” newspaper dated 31^st October 1942 in relation to Georges wedding had stated the following; “George took everything Hitler’s men could throw at him overseas, and returned to claim his sweet heart. “(First WAAAF wedding in Geraldton)

With the newspaper clipping showing his marriage in Australia in 1942 and knowing the majority of the 2/11^th were taken Prisoners on Crete, it appears that Sergeant Straughan may have been one of the lucky few who were able to make a daring escape off the island. Further research can only enhance this group.

VF $650

Three: Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to VX131045 H J W SEWELL

Henry Joseph William Sewell was born on the 1^st May 1910 Leichhardt, NSW.

Enlisted in the Militia 1^st July 1928 (36^th Infantry Bn)

To 57/60^th Infantry Bn 1^st July 1935

Enlisted in the Permanent Forces 13^th August 1936 (Ordnance Corps)

Posted to Midland Junction workshops, Western Australia as Sergeant 1938

posted to duty 3^rd Heavy Brigade of Artillery, Rottnest Island and promoted to Warrant Officer Class II shortly after.

Joined A.I.F. November 1940 and continued to be posted to Rottnest Island, Midland Junction (as Armament Artificer) and various other locations in WA before posted to Queensland 13^th Advanced Workshops towards the end of 1944.

Embarked Brisbane for Morotai, Borneo and operations against the Japanese per Transport “Sea Barb” 1945

Enplaned Morotai for Melbourne 18^th January 1946 and to Officer Cadet training.

After WW2 posted to Army Headquarters Master General of the Ordnance Branch, Albert Park Melbourne 1947 and rose up through the ranks as a junior officer before being discharged with the Honorary rank of Major in 1965

Note: Regimental numbers he was given are 10/281681, 3753, VX131045 and 3470

Comes with WW2 Dog Tags, REME rifle competition awards (engraved medallion and plaque), both his original Warrant and also his Commission, along with a beautiful letter from Major-General Canet, CB CBE on Major Sewell’s retirement and his “Record of Service Book” which confirms the three medals as his full issue of medals. Research included

Good VF $485

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to QX38028 E. J. HAMLIN

At the time of listing these Signalman Edwin John Hamlin’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 23^nd April 1941 into the Australian Army in Nundah, Queensland

Discharged 20^th September 1945

Unit on discharge listed as “NGF School of Sigs”. (Which unit he served with overseas is unknown without records being opened)

Note: Signalman Hamlin also has previous militia service with his number being Q100368, Comes with Victory Medal to 4545 PTE F. J. HAMLIN 4 M.G. BN A.I.F. Frederick John Hamlin Enlisted 4^th November 1916 and returned to Australia 25^th March 1919. Further research required

Victory Medal VF, WW2 medals near EF $385

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX190553 N A GANT

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

Enlisted 22^nd December 1943 into the Australian Army in the field Queensland but resided at Cremorne, NSW

Discharged 22^nd January 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “53^rd Australian Infantry Battalion”

Note: Also has previous militia service with his number being N235667, Further research required

VF+ $325

Four: Defence Medal, War Medal, GSM clasp Malaya & RAF LSGC 535339 F. SGT D OGDEN RAF. First two un-named as issued, last two correctly R.A.F. style engraving.

Good VF $285

Pair: Queens Korea Medal and United Nations Korea Medal. All medals correctly impressed to 22905 J. W. JOUGHLIN.

John William Joughin was born in Douglas (Isle of man, England), on 5^th March 1932. He served in the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Korea from March 1953 to April 1954 (378 days in Korea).

Note: Sergeant Joughin also went on to serve in Vietnam with 3 RAR from the 15^th February 1971 to 9^th October 1971

VF+ $425

Pair: Vietnam Medal and Vietnam Star with 1960- clasp. The Vietnam medal is correctly impressed to 2787845 W. D. LAMBERT and the Vietnam Star is correctly engraving.

Private William Dennis Lambert from Maitland, NSW served in Vietnam from May 1968 until late November 1968 with 3 RAR. A nice early Vietnam infantry group with no chips in the enamel as so many have.

Note; 3 RAR along with 1 RAR took part in the Battle of Coral–Balmoral (12 May – 6 June 1968) The battle was the first time the Australians had clashed with regular North Vietnamese Army units operating in regimental strength

VF $600

Pair: Vietnam Medal and Vietnam Star with 1960- clasp. The Vietnam medal is correctly impressed to 262456 N. P. LAURNT (mistake missing “E”) and the Vietnam Star has the correct engraved spelling to 262456 N. P. LAURENT

Corporal Noel Patrick Laurent from Chatswood NSW, served in Vietnam from March 1968 to October 1971 with 3 RAR. A nice early Vietnam infantry group with no chips in the enamel as so many have.

Note. 3 RAR along with 1 RAR took part in the Battle of Coral–Balmoral (12 May – 6 June 1968) The battle was the first time the Australians had clashed with regular North Vietnamese Army units operating in regimental strength.

VF $650