All products

MEN OF THE NINTH - A HISTORY OF THE NINTH AUSTRALIAN FIELD AMBULANCE 1916-1994 by Lieutenant- Colonel Robert Likeman CSM.

SOLD

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

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

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

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

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

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres - Battle of Broodseinde’ M.M. pair awarded to Driver R. Loton, 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Amiens, 9 August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4875 Dvr: R. Loton. 1/By: Aust: F.A.); 1914-15 Star (4875 Dvr. R. Loton. 2/F.A. Bde. A.I.F.) 

Footnote

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917.

The original joint recommendation (with 3588 Driver H. Mitchell) states: ‘At Westhoek 2nd to 4th October 1917. These drivers have been conspicuous in devotion to their work and horses carrying ammunition in the short time available - setting a fine example of gallantry and enthusiasm. The result of the work of the Drivers was that the Battery had 8000 rounds on the morning of the attack (4/10/17) of which they had salved 1000 rounds.’

Roy Loton was born in Ballarat, Victoria in 1896. Abandoned at birth, he was adopted and raised by Fanny Loton and, after her marriage, also by her husband Percy Goad. He was educated at Macarthur Street School and attested for the Australian Imperial Force on 17 June 1915, aged 18 years. Embarking on 15 September 1915 from Melbourne in the S.S. Makarini he was taken on the strength of the 2nd Australian Field Artillery Brigade in Egypt on 20 October 1915. Disembarking at Marseille on 17 May 1916, he joined the Base Depot at Etaples 3 days later and joined the 1st Divisional Artillery Column on 20 October 1916 before transferring to No. 1 Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade on 11 January 1917.

Loton was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous devotion to his work in carrying ammunition at Westhoek, during the preparations for the Battle of Broodseinde, Ypres, 4 October 1917. On 9 August 1918, near Harbonniere, France, during the Battle of Amiens, he was wounded in the stomach by a shell and died later the same day at the 8th Field Ambulance. Originally buried at White Chateau British Cemetery he was re-interred at the Adelaide British Cemetery, Villers Bretonneaux, France in 1919. After the war, Loton’s medals (including now absent British War and Victory Medals), memorial plaque and scroll were sent to his foster mother, Fanny Goad.

Sold with copied research and service papers.

Ex. Warwick Cary collection

Nearly extremely fine $2250

Trio: A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private C. Wells, 47th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for gallantry as a Runner at Dernancourt, 5 April 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5208 Pte. C. Wells. 47/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (5208 Pte. C. Wells. 47-Bn. A.I.F.)

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘At Dernancourt, south west of Albert 5th April 1918, Wells acted as a runner and did some splendid work. He showed great determination in getting his messages through heavy artillery and machine gun fire. When passing the Battalion Headquarters with a message, he was wounded, but delivered his message. His grit was very fine and was an example to all the men.’

C. Wells was born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1891. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, in November 1915. He embarked for Egypt on H.M.A.T. Star of Victoria, in March 1916, and travelled on to France on the H.T. Hunstpill, in June 1916. Wells served with the 47th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 12th Australian Brigade, 4th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from July 1916.

Wells was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations on the Somme, in particular at Dernancourt, 5 April 1918. The Battalion War Diary for this date records that the attack was successful, with the 47th Battalion suffering casualties of 3 officers and 22 other ranks killed, 2 officers and 85 other ranks wounded.

Wells continued to serve with the Battalion in France, and was hospitalised suffering from ‘lumbago, debility and trench fever.’ He returned to Australia in the S.S Commonwealth, 11 February 1919, and was discharged 28 July 1919.

Generally very fine $3850

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

Militia Artillery Officer’s Blue Cloth Helmet c. 1902-08, a fine quality example the blue cloth skull complete with all gilt metal fittings, the very fine frontal plate of Royal Arms pattern, a blank scroll above a double wheeled cannon and scroll below ‘Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt’, original buff leather sweatband and supplier’s details ‘Sullivan Williams & Aitchison, 12a, Savile Row, W’, the plate is original to the helmet. 

Slight loss of gilt to the ball finial otherwise very fine overall condition $1350

Miniatures: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (3), C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 2nd type badge, gilt and enamel; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal 1939-45, U.N. Korea 1950-54, General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R.; U.N. Korea 1950-54, Coronation 1953, United States of America, Legion of Merit, silver, gilt and enamel,

Attributed to Brigadier C. J. (Christopher John) Miles RAAC (Brigadier BCOF)

Mentioned in “Australia in the Korean War 1950-53” pages 10 & 659.

Ex D. Wright 2012

Miniatures: Military Cross, G.VI.R., Korea 1950-53, U.N. Korea 1950-54, General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine, Malaya, E.II.R. and M.I.D. oak leaf.

Attributed to Brigadier David Scott Thomson MC a soldier and the Queensland National Party member for Leichhardt.

M.C. 3^rd Oct. 1952, MID 16^th May 1967

Notable military appointments; Commanding Officer 4 RAR 1964 – 66 (Sarawak), 1967-70 Director of Infantry and Regimental Colonel of the Royal Australian Regiment.

Miniatures: Military Cross, G.VI.R., 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, M.I.D. oak leaf; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Australian Service Medal 1939-45, Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., Australia.

Attributed to VX179 Lt. Colonel Robert Bruce Forsyth MC ED

Amazing career having enlisted in the 4^th Light Horse for Gallipoli in 1914 and promoted through the ranks.

Miniatures: Military Cross, G.V.R., 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, M.I.D. oak leaf; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., Australia.

Attributed to Major Alexander Hugh Fraser MC MID ED

Fantastic service. An original Gallipoli landing 12^th Bn Officer transferring to 52^nd Bn for France where he earns his Military Cross prior to becoming a POW and sent to Germany wounded.

Miniatures: The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Jubilee 1977. Anniversary of National Service Medal 1951-72, Sweden, Knight of the order of Vasa (Knight of the order of Vasa missing centre). Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland

These medals came from the estate of Sir Charles Lloyd Jones of David Jones fame.

Heavily worn & loved group with Damage to Vasa Order $300.00

Miniatures: The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel; The Royal Victorian Order, M.V.O., Member’s 4th Class breast badge, silver-gilt and enamels; M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type badge; British War and Victory Medals.

Miniatures: Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

Miniatures: Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R.; British War Medal, 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal, 1939-45 and Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army

Incorrect order as worn by recipient

Miniatures: Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1885; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; British War Medal, Victory Medal and Khedive’s Star 1884-6.

Miniatures: India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, NorthWest Frontier 1930-31; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R.; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army