Husband and Wife Grouping
Group 1; Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to V280669 F W PYGALL
At the time of listing these medals Frank Pygall’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;
Enlisted 24h September 1941 Armidale Victoria
Discharged 28th January 1947
Unit on discharge listed as “115 HEIDELBERG MILITARY HOSPITAL”
Note: A quick trove search shows that on the 24th December 1943 Pte Pygall and a Pte Malvern were removed from being dangerously and seriously ill in the Infantry section of the casualty list. It appears he is still kept in hospital until being discharged in 1947, further research required
Group 2; Pair: War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both medals correctly impressed to VFX128550 B. M. PYGALL
Note: Betty Pygall enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Women’s service, Heidelberg, Victoria which appears to be a classical romance story from taking care of a soldier in hospital.
Near EF SOLD
Group of 5: Military Medal G.V.R (7/8 KOSB), Queens South Africa two clasps “T, SA02” (7498 KOSB), 1914 Star with slide on clasp, British War and Victory Medals. 7498 Sgt. G. Reilly KOSB.
MM London Gazette 2nd November 1917 page 11341
VF $1350
Group of Eight : Military Medal G.VI.R. , 39-45, Africa with 8th Army & Pacific Stars. Defence, War & Australian Service Medals. Regimental Medal with clasps “New Guinea, Syria, Egypt, Palestine” (engraved as issue). The 3 Stars and Defence Medal are as issued unnamed. MM, War & ASM correctly impressed. This indicates an early issue (1948) when Australia was initially going to follow the UK by issuing their medals unnamed. The Defence Medal is part of what appears to be part of a large group which was awarded into Queensland unnamed. This group comes straight from the family.
Military Medal Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 9.8.1945. This was an immediate Award and signed off by Blamey.
At WEWAK on the 14th of May 1945 during the attack on the Wirui Mission features, private Burton was in the leading section of the forward company. The attack was made with tanks, but due to the nature of the ground they ,.were confined to the one track,
approximately fifteen feet wide. As the platoon approached the objective, an enemy machine gun opened up and wounded Burton’s section leader. The tank supporting the section was very close to the enemy’s pit, but the tank commander was unable to see the
enemy through his periscope. At the same time the enemy machine gun opened fire on the section other enemy in the pit moved forward with anti-tank mines with the intention of placing them under the tank tracks.
Immediately appreciating the situation, Private Burton boldly took charge, and with great determination and courage assaulted the post with his section. Wiped out four occupants and prevented their attempt to disable the tank.
Burtons quick thinking and leadership saved the company from loosing its tank support, for had the leading tank been disabled no others could have passed it in time to support the company during the remainder of the attack. Private Burton’s initiative
And the speed with which he moved his section in for the assault, was a fine example of good leadership to his men.
SOLD VF $8,000
Group of eight: 1914/15 Star (LIEUT. J. P. DUGUID), British War, Victory Medal, (CAPT J. P. DUGUID), GSM GV “IRAQ” (CAPT J. P. DUGUID), IGS “WAZIRISTAN 1919-21” (CAPT J. P. DUGUID A. D. CORPS), Defence, War and 1953 Coronation medal unnamed as issued
John Paris Duguid first appears in WW1 on the R.A.M,C Special List at the rank of Lieutenant in October 1915. Serving all through WW1 up until the early 1920’s including service in Iraq and India, discharging at the rank of Captain.
Post war Captain Duguid travelled, visiting and living in several places including Australia and America.
At home for the outbreak of WW2, Captain Duguid re-enlisted for home service. Reaching the rank of Colonel by the end of hostilities and he further continued to serve post war in a reserve role.
John passed away in 1964 at the age of 74
Note: Comes with research confirming medal entitlement and a copy of photo of the recipient in uniform
VF-EF SOLD
GROUP OF ELEVEN: Military Cross (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1953; Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (EIIR). 553 Pte C. McI. Potts 13/Bn A.I.F. on star, Lieut C. McI. Potts A.I.F. on third and fourth medals, NX 12434 C. M. Potts on seventh, eighth and ninth medals, Clarence McIntosh Potts on eleventh medal. MC unnamed, second, third and fourth medals impressed, fifth and sixth medals unnamed, seventh, eighth and ninth medals impressed, tenth medal unnamed, last medal impressed. All correct to issue and mounted as worn.
Clarence Potts enlisted 8th September 1914 as a Private number 553 with the 13th Bn (later being commissioned with the 45th Bn having come up through the ranks).
Proceeded to join M.E.F. Gallipoli and in his own words from his service record "Landed Gallipoli 25th April 1915" and "In rear-guard at evacuation"
Records state the following "3/12/1915 to be Lance Corporal. Heart complaint in Greek Hospital. Wounded." (This shows possibly another wound at Gallipoli making it a total of three wounding's)
WIA: France 8th August 1916 (G.S.W. back and arm) and also states (multiple Gunshot wounds, severe)
2nd WIA: 17th August 1918 (Multiple bomb wounds)
MILITARY CROSS. L.G.: 29th November 1918 C.G.: 23th May 1919 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership in an attack. He led his company with great skill, capturing 150 prisoners and a battery of 5.9 guns. Later, after making a daring reconnaissance he advanced his line 2,000 yards and consolidated his position under heavy fire. He set a splendid example of coolness and determination to his company'
R.T.A. 1st May 1919.
WW2. NX12434 Captain Potts Enlisted 20th May 1940
Taken POW at the fall of Singapore and Interned by the Japanese in a Malay camp for over three and a half years.
Returned to Australia after the Japanese surrender arriving in Sydney 29th October 1945.
Comes with research, photocopies of service records, an extract from the War Diary of Alexandria Hospital Malaya 14th February 1942 giving explicit details of the Japanese actions in the hospital, copy of telegram from the Minister for the Army notifying Mrs Potts of Captain Potts being a P.O.W., New South Wales Police Department Certificate to certify C. Mc. Potts served in the N.S.W. Police Force.
Note: Captain Pott's medals were initially sold by Noble Numismatics in 2006 for $8,700 plus buyer's premium (19.75%) of $1675 which equals $10,375. Ten years later we are proud to offer such an outstanding officers fighting gallantry group covering two conflicts, multiple wounds and a POW of the Japanese.
VF SOLD
Group of Five : 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Defence Medal, War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to W. 3060 S. L. SCORGIE with the stars being unnamed as often found.
Stoker Scorgie served on the HMAS Swan whilst in January 1942 it was lucky to escape when attacked by Japanese bombers. The HMAS Swan was then tasked to reinforce (Sparrow Force) in Timor where it was attacked by a force of 45 Japanese aircraft and again narrowly escaped. Whilst taking shelter in Darwin, Australia had its first attack on Australian soil and the HMAS Swan took indirect hits trying to escape the harbour. The HMAS Swan had 3 killed in action and 19 wounded.
VF SOLD
Group of five: 1939/45 and Africa Stars (impressed), War Medal and Australian Service Medals (impressed), Naval Long Service Good Conduct Medal (Engraved). 16687 B. F. Biram.
Bartolomeo Colleoni Medallion on contemporary stand with small enamel HMAS Sydney badge. Engraved naming in typical style.
Petty Officers bullion hat badge, Original photograph in uniform, True copy of certificate of service, Original telegram to family offering sympathy for the loss of their son on HMAS Sydney.
Finally the jewel in the crown, is his original substantial diary describing life on the Sydney between the dates of 18 April 1940 to 30 December 1940. Including his description of the Bartolomeo Colleoni action. There is also a large quantity of research.
This is one of the best documented HMAS Sydney groups ever to be seen on the market. The diary adding that true personal touch.
SOLD
Group of Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star "1st Army", Italy Star, Defence and War Medal to 5381977 SGT Frederick Arthur Clayton. Unnamed as issued.
Sgt Clayton enlisted on the 2nd March 1935 with the Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry with service in India prior to WW2. During WW2 Sgt Clayton served in the African campaign as a qualified member of the 3rd Parachute Battalion of the Army Air Corps. 1946 saw Sgt Clayton transfer to the Army Reserves with the Royal Engineers.
Complete with Army Book 64 Soldier's Service & Pay Book, Record of Service Card, Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, Medals Card, Certificate of Service, Soldiers Release Book Class "A", three Photographs and Para Regiment Badge.
Note: Italy star is not shown on his certificate of service even though the medal card supplied shows confirmation of all medals including "1st army clasp".
VF SOLD
Group of Five: GSM (GV1) One Clasp; "PALESTINE” correctly impressed to 3908856 PTE W. GETHIN S. WALES BORD. 1939/1945 Star, Africa Star, Defence and War Medal unnamed as issued.
Note: The 1st battalion, South Wales Borderers were posted to Iraq in November 1941 in anticipation of a German attack. When it became apparent that no such attack was coming, they moved overland the following May to a position just outside Tobruk, which they were ordered to hold in cover of the general British withdrawal of forces from the area. This order, however, was almost immediately countermanded and a chaotic retreat ensued, exacerbated by lack of transport and the capture of the battalion’s reconnaissance officers by the Germans. Under heavy attack, and in unfamiliar and hostile terrain, over 500 men were lost, most taken prisoner.
Originally classed as missing in action and re-classified as Prisoner of War (Germany). Lance Corporal Gethin was prisoner number 6384 at Stalag 317, Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria.
Stalag 317 initially consisted of prisoners from France and the Soviet Union who were used as forced labour in nearby factories and in agriculture. In November 1943, after the Italian armistice, Commonwealth prisoners arrived from Italy with two hundred NCOs being transferred. Records state approximately 4,000 people died in the camp and indicates that most were Soviet Prisoners.
VF-EF SOLD
Group of five: NWF of India 1908 Distinguished Conduct Medal (EDVII), IGS 1854 three clasps "Burma 1885-87, Sikkim 1888, Samana 1891 "(Gunner No 9 By 1st Bde N Dn RA); IGS 1895 three clasps " Relief of Chitral 1895, PF 1897-98, Tirah !897-98 "(Corpl. No3 Mtn By RA); IGS 1908 one clasp "NWF 1908" (Sjt. No 3 Mtn B RA); Army LSGC Medal (EDVII) to Sgt. J. Charlton RGA. Some contact marks otherwise generally very fine, with copied original Recommendations and service papers.
DCM LG 12.8.1908: Sergeant John Charlton, Royal Garrison Artillery. For operations against Zakka Khel and Mohmands; Army Order No 252 of October 1908.
M.I.D. LG 22.5.1908 Sergeant Charlton’s name appears in Appendix A of Major General Willock’s despatches for operations of the Bazar Valley Frontier Force 13th February – 2nd March 1908.
Only 9 DCMs awarded for the NWF 1908 campaign.
Value point: Unique to the RA and an extremely rare combination of IGS campaign medals/clasps to a British Army Other Rank having served an incredible 30 years continuously in NW India.
VF SOLD
Group of Five:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, Australian Service Medal 39/45 and QE11 Coronation medal. First four medals correctly impressed to V145395 P. R. SMITH. Coronation medal un-named as issued.
Enlisted on the 5th January 1942 into the Australian Army Canteens Service for service in Port Moresby. Commissioned as Lieutenant shortly after.
Embarked 25th February1943 for PNG
Returned to Australia due to “Dengue” August 1943
Discharged 9th August 1944 as Captain.
Unit on discharge listed as “3 MD AACS”
Note: Records show previous service in WW1 with 36 H.A.G A.I.F. as regimental number 31424
Coronation medal came with the group and is not confirmed if it was awarded to Captain Smith or a relative.
EF $325
Group of Four : 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both the War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to F. 5172 A. W. H. JOHNSON with the stars being unnamed as often found.
Seaman Johnson served on multiple Aux. Minesweepers including the HMAS Bendigo as the first Australian Minesweeper to take up duties between Milne Bay and Manus.
After New Guinea patrols, Seaman Johnson was deployed in various anti-submarine roles in the Philippine waters and then on to Hong Kong.
VF $375
Group of Four : Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals impressed to 68012 K. E. Mills.
Sgt Mills was posted to the Overseas Headquarters and his records show that he was not issued or entitled to a 1939/45 star.
A confidential report was made on Sgt Mills stating he had "Radical ideas" and "Communistic principles". A very interesting group with the rare Italy star, only 3200 being issued to the Airforce and seldom impressed.
VF SOLD
Group of four : MILITARY CROSS G.V.R. British War & Victory Medals plus "Mayor of Exeter" Key 1933.
MC engraved " 8th Sept 1916, Kenneth Gatey, Devon Regt" Pair impressed Lieut.
MC London Gazette 20 October 1916
Temp.2nd Lieut. Kenneth Gatey, Devon Rgt.
"For conspicuous gallantry during a raid.When hung up by the enemy's wire he deliberately cut it, aided by a corporal and a lance corporal, and, entering the enemy's trenches, accounted for several enemy and took a prisoner."
KEY engraved with:
" Southern Railway Exeter Central - New Station opened by - The Mayor of Exeter Kenneth Gatey Esq. MC. 1st July 1933."
Key is HM Silver Birmingham 1932 and is lightly gilded.
Purchased direct from the family.
Good VF SOLD
L/CPL "Paddy" Fitzgerald in Egypt
Group of Four, plus ANZAC plaque: Military Medal, 1914/15 star, British War Medal and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 341 L/CPL. P. FITZGERALD 23 BN. A.I.F.
ANZAC medallion correctly named to P. FITZGERALD
Enlisted. 15th February 1915 as an original member of "B" company
WIA 3rd May 1917 G.S.W. R/Arm
2nd WIA 16th May 1918 (slight) remained on duty
RTA 9th March 1919
Commonwealth Gazette 27th Aug 1917
The following extract was supplied by Paddys niece (in 1989) as part of paddy's story. There are four pages in total.
"Upon disembarkation at Alexandria the 2nd Division were transfered to the A.I.F. camp at MENA where further training was carried out prior to reinforcing the troops already on Gallipoli. On the morning of September the 2nd, 1915, the transport ship "SOUTHLAND", a vessel of 11,899 tons carrying 1600 men of the 21st BTN and "B" company of the 23rd BTN from Alexandria to Lemnos, was torpedoed in the AEGEAN SEA, causing a loss of one officer and 32 men.
It was during this action that Paddy saved the life of a soldier and was believed to have been recommended for a V.C. but a subsequent fight with a member of the provost corps saw an end to any award.
The troops were rescued by the hospital ship "NEURALIA" and other ships and were returned to Alexandria where they were regrouped and returned to Gallipolli arriving between the 6th - 8th of September, 1915.
The 23rd BTN relieved the 13th Light Horse Regiment at Lone Pine...... Paddy was evacuated from Gallipoli on the night of 12th December, 1915, with "A" party of the 6th Brigade where he returned to Egypt."
Good VF SOLD
Group of four: 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals. 2334 Pte. A. H. E. West, 3-London Rgt. With Death Plaque showing all names leaving no doubt as to authenticity. Comes with original condolence slip and medal entitlement Document. A member of the 2/3rd BN London Rgt (Royal Fusiliers), he was killed on the 28th of November 1915 at age 22 and buried at the AZMAK CEMETERY, SUVLA. Inscription on his headstone reads “THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT”. Comes with a large amount of research.
Gd VF $950
Group of Four: 1939/1945 Star, France & Germany Star, 1939-1945, Defence and War Medal to 3776911 Sgt Herbert Horatio Austin. Unnamed as issued.
After a brief stint in the air force in 1933, Sgt Austin enlisted on the 16th June 1940 with the King's Regiment. Sgt Austin's Special Service Brigade booklet for the Commando's shows he was taken on strength of the 2nd Special Boat Squadron on the 17th August 1943 and it was not until 1946 that Sgt Austin transferred to the reserves.
Complete with Certificate of Service & Discharge Royal Air Force, National Registration Card, Embarkation Card, Ration Book, Application for Particulars of Soldiers Pay, Old Comrades Association of the Special Service Brigade Card & Letter, Record of Service Card, Certificate of Transfer to the Army Reserve, Soldiers Release Book Class "A" and Photograph.
VF SOLD
Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 1939/45. Both stars are in typical Navy chisel engraving, with the War Medal and ASM being impressed to F. 3105 J. N. FARRELL
Seaman Farrell served on multiple ships including the HMAS Manoora in 1940 (the Manoora seized Norwegian and Italian vessels early in the war). He was also serving in the Sydney harbour during the Japanese submarine attack at HMAS Penguin before serving on the Bathurst class Corvette the HMAS Geelong.
At the end of the war Seaman Farrell served on the HMAS Diamentia taking the surrenders at Torokina, Nauru and Ocean Island. This was a small ship and as all three surrenders were conducted on her quarterdeck, he was most likely involved.
VF SOLD
Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both the War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to S6294 C. W. SUSSMAN with the stars being unnamed as often found on early issues.
Seaman Sussman served on multiple ships during his service including the HMAS Adelaide in May to July 1942, when the Adelaide was docked at Garden Island for a refit, during the Japanese midget sub attack of 31 May 1942.
In November 1942, Adelaide, along with the Dutch cruiser HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk and the Australian corvettes Cessnock and Toowoomba, escorted a convoy across the southern Indian Ocean. On 28 November, the ships spotted an unidentified vessel, which claimed to be the Norwegian merchantman Taiyang Officers aboard Adelaide recognized the ship as the German Blockade Runner Ramses, but did not receive a response to their challenging until two boats were lowered from the ship, followed by the sound of an explosion from a scuttling charge. Adelaide opened fire, hitting with the third salvo onwards, and continued shooting until Ramses sank eight minutes later, then recovered the Germans from the boats.
Seaman Sussman then went on to serve on the HMAS Yandra, Koopa, Moreton, ML 430 (Fairmile B class), Shropshire among others and finally discharging on the HMAS Rushcutter (previously HDML 1321). It appears that he was working on the Harbour Defence Motor Launch’s (HDML) which would work as patrol boats assigned to do reconnaissance work, these ships provided vital support for missions around New Guinea and the islands , including a mission which involved launching of four folding kayaks with eight Z Special commandos. One area mentioned on several occasions in Sussman’s records is “Ko Adang” in Thailand.
A good researcher with an understanding of naval records could possibly follow the dates and ships listed in his service record to see exactly his involvement in these raids. The AWM website has quite a few of the patrol reports available to the public as well. This is a very interesting group to an outstanding sailor.
Note: The ML-430 was sunk by gunfire from HMAS ML 819, after being mistaken for the conning tower of a Japanese submarine, north of Biak, New Guinea on 14 August 1944
VF SOLD
Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to WX29300 A. SIGLIN
At the time of listing these Major Siglin’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;
Enlisted 2ND August 1942 into the Australian Army at Claremont, WA
Discharged 24th May 1946
Unit on discharge listed as “17 Australian Field Ambulance”
Note: Doctor Alec Siglin was an ex Perth Modern student prior to going into Medicine. Nice grouping to a local Doctor with plenty of research potential.
Near EF SOLD
CULTURALLY IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN FAMILY GROUPING
Captain Ralph Longstaff M.C. painted by his father Sir John Longstaff (Sydney National Gallery)
Group of four: Military Cross G.V.R, 1914 Star & Bar, British War & Victory Medal. 1914/15 Star impressed 2070 PTE R. LONGSTAFF 28 LOND. R. BWM & VM impressed to CAPT. R. LONGSTAFF Military Cross un-named as issued.
Along with an Ivory pass token “ROYAL ACADEMY ANTIQUE SCHOOL 1768” reverse “Admitted 1st Term of 3 years, 28th Janý 1909 R. Longstaff”
Military Cross was awarded in the 1917 New Year’s Honour List which unfortunately have no citations available. Captain Longstaff was personally presented the award by the King on the 22nd January 1918 at Buckingham Palace. The Australian newspapers report his award was for Bravery in the field, Somme. Whilst serving in the 28th Battalion, London Regiment (Artists Rifles), attached to the 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment.
Ralph grew up in Victoria the eldest son of the famous Australian Artist Sir John Longstaff and an outstanding artist in his own right. In 1908 Ralph won the “Graphic” prize for drawing amongst the various art schools in London and in 1910 he won a further award for the coronation design for public buildings.
As the two artists in the family, the bond between John and his son Ralph was unquestionably close, shown in the following article;
“John Longstaff lost one son In the war. Later on he received a War Office telegram in London announcing that another son, Ralph, was lying dangerously wounded in Rouen hospital. He himself had a military commission as a war artist, and also worked in the hospitals. He rushed across to Boulogne without waiting to obtain the necessary papers, and on the Boulogne station was arrested by a military guard. Seeing the 'train for Rouen just going out, he made a desperate dash, and risking a bullet in the back from the guard, he jumped aboard the train and got clear off. At Rouen he stood by his son's bedside. Ralph Longstaff was severely wounded, but he recovered. After the war John Longstaff painted a splendid portrait of Ralph in uniform, with the blue armband denoting a wound and hospital leave. The portrait was bought in 1921 by the Sydney National Gallery” Smith’s Weekly 18th April 1927
The above portrait of Ralph by his father was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1921. The Argus 21st January 1922 article states “It is considered the finest work that Longstaff has done”.
Portrait of my Son (Jack Longstaff) by Sir John Longstaff .Inscribed verso 'not for public sale', this is a deeply personal image that Longstaff had painted for himself rather than for public exhibition (AWM)
Single: British War Medal impressed 2. LIEUT. J.C. LONGSTAFF. Missing 1914/15 Star & Victory Medal
2nd Lieutenant Jack Campbell Longstaff served in the 1st/5th Bn York & Lancaster Regiment, Initially enlisting as number 2553 before being commissioned 30th June 1915.
Jack was with his regiment engaged in the offensive on the Somme where he was wounded on July 3rd 1916, but continued in action. On July 7th, when leading a bombing party he was again wounded. It was from this action that he was never seen again and eventually reported as killed in action.
Medals are good to VF SOLD
Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX33126 M. W. BARTON
At the time of listing these Driver Barton’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;
Enlisted 20th June 1940 into the Australian Army at Paddington, NSW
Discharged 26th October 1945
Unit on discharge listed as “2/103 General Transport Company”
Note: Medals come in box of issue along with original paperwork confirming all four medals. Further research required
EF $245
Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX193543 H A G BRINCKLEY
At the time of listing these Private Brinckley’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;
Enlisted 30th July 1944 into the Australian Army at Endfield, NSW
Discharged 9th November 1945
Unit on discharge listed as “9th Australian Infantry Battalion”
Note: Medals come in box of issue along with his returned from active service badge. Further research required
EF $275
Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX70781 H M HORDERN
Henry Hordern enlisted into the Australian Army in NSW on the 10th February 1941 and it wasn’t long before Henry was chosen for an Officers training course where only three were selected, Henry was chosen along with Bill McMahon (Later Australian Prime Minister) who Henry had become friends with.
Two weeks later the now Lieutenant Hordern was offered and accepted the position of ADC to General Lloyd who was commanding the Second Division Militia.
Six months later Henry was offered a position now with the AIF as assistant to the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (DAAG) responsible for all administration of the Eighth Division.
Months later when the decision was made that a Brigade would move to Singapore with General Bennet and some of his senior staff, Henry was made DAAG still surprisingly with rank of Lieutenant.
About a week before the Japanese invaded Malaysia a vacancy occurred for the Adjutant of No 1 Company AASC, with a compliment of 700 men of which Henry filled.
When Singapore fell Henry was taken POW and sent to Changi camp. In his brief autobiography Henry states that he does not want to go on about how they were treated in camp as he states it is “well documented in the many books which have been published”. He does however mention a few stories of other soldiers’ survival against execution. This then leads on to Henry telling a few of the more severe beatings he took whilst POW.
Henry does try to focus in on the few good moments he had whilst a prisoner, including times like when he taught Alexander Downer (senior) in cost accounting. His short Autobiography tells of many interesting personal moments of his or those close to him giving the reader a good insight into an amazing man.
When hostilities ceased Henry along with the most ill POW’s were quickly placed on a ship bound for home. Due to high seas and the believe that many would not make the trip they were soon sent to North Borneo where an Australian hospital was set up. This was Henry’s home for the next two months before being sent home and Discharging on the 22nd November 1945.
Post war with the occupation as a Chartered Accountant, Henry was Assistant Registrar at the University of Tasmania prior to taking up his appointment as General Registrar of the institute on the 5th February 1968.
Mr Hordern ended his career with the following post nominals; “A.C.A., F.C.I.S., A.I.B.A., A.F.A.I.M., L.H.A.”
Note: Medals comes with two photos of recipient and a seven page autobiography of his war experiences by Lieutenant Henry Malcolm Lothrop Hordern. Also included is a copy of “Googlyman” The story of HV ‘Ranji’ Hordern numbered 2 of 300 by Rick Smith and dedicated to Henry by the author in honour of Henry’s father whom the book is about. Henry’s father, Herbert Vivian Hordern is considered Australia’s father of Leg Spin Bowling which some credit his skills far superior than that of modern-day bowler Shane Warne. The iconic Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park Sydney, NSW is named after him which further reinforces how high he is thought of. The book is undoubtably extremely rare and a great family addition to an already amazing group.
.
Near EF SOLD
