Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to 3761 L. CPL H. BATCHELOR 20/AUST; INF:
Emb: 20th January 1916
WIA: 26th May 1916 (G.S.W. Face)
2nd WIA: 26th July 1916 (G.S.W. Buttock).
3rd WIA: 31st August 1918 (S. W. Head and also written as S.W. Left cheek) wound received whilst earning his Military Medal.
RTA: 17th August 1919
There is confusion between his first two wounding’s and he appears only credited with two wounding’s. This is contradicted as he is taken back on strength between the dates.
MM London Gazette 17 June 1919
“During the operations MONT ST. QUENTON N. E. of PERONNE, on 31st August 1918, these two (3761 L/CPL Batchelor along with 5355 PTE Jackson) soldiers went forward to form a covering party during the transfer of troops from the trench to another. They kept up fire during the duration although both were wounded. They made back to our trench when the operation was completed.”
Note: Tragically Harry Batchelor was swept off the rocks at Bondi Beach whilst fishing and subsequently drowned on the 22nd of March 1925. A well-known local cricketer by the name of James Verner Garner (who is the only man ever to bowl out both Victor Trumper and Don Bradman) attempted to rescue him but was washed on to the rocks several times whilst trying to save him. Newspaper articles at the time hint towards Garner being awarded a medal for the attempted rescue (further research required).
This medal is partly erased with 70 percent still clearly visible. The fact that so much remains could be wear to the edge on what was a shallow striking and not done with any malice (see photos).
Other than stated above VF $1725
Single: Military Medal (GV) correctly impressed to “2234 SJT: A. J. SMITH 3/ARMY BDE./AUST.F.A.”
Emb: 16th June 1915 with the 1st BN AIF
Joined Battalion at Gallipoli 7th August 1915
Transferred 10th February 1916 to the 53rd BN
Transferred 15th March 1916 to the 114th Bty (later 115th Bty).
MM London Gazette 16TH August 1917
Promoted 2/LT. 10th April 1918
Promoted LT 10th July 1918
RTA: 11th May 1919
Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).
Very large EK at 9 o’clock otherwise VF $1425
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. correctly impressed to 1947 Gnr: F. Nicholas. 101/How: By: 1/Bde: Aust: F.A.
M.M. London Gazette 12 June 1918. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Gunners A. E. Schmidt and A. Woodington) states:
‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 17th/18th March 1918, when during a heavy hostile gas and high explosive bombardment of the battery near Norfolk Bridge on the Ypres-Comines Canal, North East of St. Eloi, a gun pit was ignited by an enemy shell and severe damage was threatened. Under great difficulties these gunners extinguished the burning pit, with the result that the gun was only temporarily out of action and the loss of ammunition minimised.’
Frank Nicholas was born in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 24 August 1915. Nicholas was posted to the 1st Light Horse Regiment in March 1916, and transferred as a Signaller to the Australian Artillery in May of the same year. He served with the 101st Howitzer Battery, 1st Field Artillery Brigade in the French theatre of war from December 1916.
The following year Nicholas suffered from Trench Feet and Rheumatic Fever, before recovering to distinguish himself in action near St. Eloi, Ypres, 17/18 March 1918. Nicholas was severely gassed during the action, and returned to Australia in October 1918.
Nicholas was discharged in May 1919, and in later life resided in Bendigo, Victoria.
Nearly very fine $1850
A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal A. Briggs, 20th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry with rifle-grenades during a counter-attack at Lagincourt, 15 April 1917. He was wounded in action at Pozieres, 5 August 1916, and received a gunshot wound to the right arm and left knee at Bullecourt, 2 May 1917
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. (1671 L. Cpl. A. Briggs. 20/Aust: Inf:)
M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917 on page 6026 at position 16. The original recommendation states:
‘These men showed great initiative and bravery when their company was held up during the counter-attack near LAGNICOURT on 15th. April they crawled within 50 yards of the enemy’s strong post and with the use of rifle grenades bombed the enemy out, thus allowing the advance to continue.’
Note: The AWM has embroidery from Lance Corporal Briggs and the following is a copy of their very informative research
"Born in Sydney in 1892, Albert Biggs, who is said to have disliked being called 'Bert Biggs', was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the AIF on 29 May 1915, using the alias Alfred Briggs.
After initial training, Briggs was assigned as a private, service number 1671, to the 2nd reinforcements for 20 Battalion. He left Sydney for overseas service on 19 June, aboard HMAT A61 Kanowna. The battalion trained briefly in Egypt before arriving at Gallipoli in late August, where they defended Russell's Top until they were evacuated to Egypt in December.
The battalion moved to France, for service on the Western Front in April 1916. Briggs was promoted to lance corporal on 14 May but reverted to the rank of private on 16 July at his own request. He received a gunshot wound to his left leg on 5 August, during the battalion's first major action at Pozieres, and was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital.
Two months later Briggs was discharged to the 5th Training Battalion, where he remained until he rejoined the 20th Battalion in France on 19 February 1917. He was promoted to lance corporal on 23 March. On 15 April Briggs was awarded the Military Medal for 'great initiative and bravery', at Lagnicourt.
Briggs was severely wounded during the second battle of Bullecourt, on 5 May, sustaining a penetrating shrapnel wound to his left knee and a severe fracture of the humerus, just above his right elbow. He was evacuated to the 6th Field Ambulance, then to a casualty clearing station, and finally to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Rouen, where he remained until the end of April 1918. On 29 April he was transferred to England, to the Tooting Military Hospital in London. In July Briggs was sent to 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, suffering from disability and a mental condition, to prepare him for his return to Sydney in September. He spent nearly two years at the 4th Australian General Hospital (4 AGH) at Randwick, and convalescent homes, before his discharge from the army on 7 July 1920.
Brigg's wounds permanently fused his left knee, and so damaged the nerves in his right arm that he had very little function in that hand. He was encouraged to take up embroidery as a means of both passing the time and of 'training' his left hand in fine motor skills. This example is thought to have been completed while he was at 4 AGH. While he was in hospital Briggs' wallet and Military Medal were stolen from his bedside locker. A new medal was issued to him, correctly named at his request to 'Biggs'.
Towards the end of his long life Biggs lived with his niece, Emily, and her husband Fred Lees. She made three of her uncle's rehabilitation embroideries into cushions, which were always positioned on her living room sofa. The embroideries were donated to the War Memorial in memory of Albert Biggs.”
Very fine $2000
A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Lance Corporal F. J. A. Bent, 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, originally recommended for the D.C.M. for his gallantry at Morlancourt, 19 May 1918, he was subsequently wounded in action, 31 May 1918
Single: Military Medal, G.V.R. impressed to 4512 Pte F. J. A. Bent. 18/Aust: Inf:
M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:
‘For conspicuous bravery. On reaching the objective in the attack near Morlancourt on the 19th inst. [May], it was found that no machine guns had arrived and this soldier immediately returned across the area which was swept by intense machine gun and rifle fire to a spot where we had suffered most casualties in penetrating the enemy’s wire. On searching the ground, he found a gun of which the gunners had been killed and returned with it to where his platoon was holding the line. He immediately went back again and brought in another gun under similar circumstances. On making a third trip Pte Bent obtained several panniers of machine gun ammunition which had been lost on the way across. His conduct throughout was extremely cool and his bearing inspired the remainder of the men.’
Francis Joseph Arthur Bent was born in Wangaratta, Victoria in 1884. A printer by trade, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, 10 October 1916. Bent was initially posted for service with the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, and then to the 61st in July 1917.
Bent transferred to the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, 13 October 1917, and served with them in the French theatre of war from 9 April 1918. The following month he distinguished himself at Moralncourt, and was wounded in action, 31 May 1918. Bent advanced to Lance Corporal in October 1918, and returned to Australia in April 1919. He was discharged in July 1919.
VF $2250
Single: NATAL 1906 one clasp "1906" correct cavalry/officer’s style engraving to Lt. A. Thompson Royston’s Horse
Slight EK at 4 O’clock otherwise VF SOLD
Single: NATAL 1906 one clasp "1906" impressed TPR. F. H. SIMPSON, NATAL SERVICE CORPS
VF SOLD
Single: NATAL 1906 one clasp "1906" impressed to Pte G. Seager, Natal Rangers
Edge bruising, VF SOLD
Single: Natal 1906, no clasp Tpr: V. J. Grant, Natal Carbineers.
VF $385
Single: New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1866 (2783 Cr. Sergt. Saml. Manning, 1st Bn. 12th Regt.),
The 12th Regiment arrived at Sydney in 1854 and served in New Zealand from 1860-66. It was engaged in the first Taranaki War, being present at No. 2 Redoubt and was in action throughout the Waikato War. It sustained losses at Rangiriri and fought at Gate Pa. The Headquarters moved to Napier in December 1865 and then moved to Tauranga in 1866, where part of the regiment took part in the Tauranga bush campaign.
As per the following report from The Hobart Mercury, 10 August 1861, Manning served as a Drill Instructor to the local volunteers in Tasmania in 186-61:
‘Yesterday evening a presentation of a purse of twenty sovereigns by the members of the First Rifles, S.T.V., to Acting Sergeant-Major Manning of H.M. 12th Regiment, who since the formation of the Corps, has filled the post of Drill Instructor, took place at the Town Hall.
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, Field Officer, commanding Volunteers, and the whole of the officers of the Second Rifles were present; Mr. Manning holding the office of Drill Instructor to that corps. Several ladies also graced the scene with their presence and numerous spectators filled the gallery and lower part of the Hall. Acting Sergeant-Major Manning arrived shortly after eight o'clock, and the Corps being drawn up in subdivisions facing each other, Captain Solly spoke as follows:
“Sergeant Manning - The pleasing duty has devolved upon me, as the Captain Commanding the First Rifles, to convey to you, on the part of the Corps, the expression of their appreciation of your services as Drill Instructor. We feel, that to your unwearied assiduity and never failing patience, the present state of efficiency, which without boasting I may say is second to no corps in the Colony, is in great measure owing to you. I have now the pleasure of presenting to you this purse as a token of the good feeling entertained by the Corps towards you, and the high place you hold in their esteem. l am quite sure that wherever duty may call you, you will not forget the First Rifles, and you will ever carry with you the best wishes of the members of the Corps.
Sergeant Manning said:
“Officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the First Rifles. I thank you most heartily for the very handsome present which you have made me. It has always been my anxious desire to do my duty faithfully as your Drill Instructor. I shall ever feel it a great pleasure to assist in any way the members of the First Rifles; and any information that I may possess connected with their instruction as Volunteers I shall be most happy to afford. I may be called away shortly, or I may remain here for many years, but wherever I am I shall always remember the time I have spent with you and hope and trust you will ever maintain the position you now hold in the Rifle Corps of Tasmania.”
Sergeant Manning then withdrew and Colonel Russell, who had been present at the drill, requested Captain Solly to convey to the Corps his satisfaction at the manner in which they had gone through their evolutions.’
Officially impressed naming, edge bruise, otherwise very fine SOLD
Single: New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1866 (2783 Cr. Sergt. Saml. Manning, 1st Bn. 12th Regt.),
The 12th Regiment arrived at Sydney in 1854 and served in New Zealand from 1860-66. It was engaged in the first Taranaki War, being present at No. 2 Redoubt and was in action throughout the Waikato War. It sustained losses at Rangiriri and fought at Gate Pa. The Headquarters moved to Napier in December 1865 and then moved to Tauranga in 1866, where part of the regiment took part in the Tauranga bush campaign.
As per the following report from The Hobart Mercury, 10 August 1861, Manning served as a Drill Instructor to the local volunteers in Tasmania in 186-61:
‘Yesterday evening a presentation of a purse of twenty sovereigns by the members of the First Rifles, S.T.V., to Acting Sergeant-Major Manning of H.M. 12th Regiment, who since the formation of the Corps, has filled the post of Drill Instructor, took place at the Town Hall.
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, Field Officer, commanding Volunteers, and the whole of the officers of the Second Rifles were present; Mr. Manning holding the office of Drill Instructor to that corps. Several ladies also graced the scene with their presence and numerous spectators filled the gallery and lower part of the Hall. Acting Sergeant-Major Manning arrived shortly after eight o'clock, and the Corps being drawn up in subdivisions facing each other, Captain Solly spoke as follows:
“Sergeant Manning - The pleasing duty has devolved upon me, as the Captain Commanding the First Rifles, to convey to you, on the part of the Corps, the expression of their appreciation of your services as Drill Instructor. We feel, that to your unwearied assiduity and never failing patience, the present state of efficiency, which without boasting I may say is second to no corps in the Colony, is in great measure owing to you. I have now the pleasure of presenting to you this purse as a token of the good feeling entertained by the Corps towards you, and the high place you hold in their esteem. l am quite sure that wherever duty may call you, you will not forget the First Rifles, and you will ever carry with you the best wishes of the members of the Corps.
Sergeant Manning said:
“Officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the First Rifles. I thank you most heartily for the very handsome present which you have made me. It has always been my anxious desire to do my duty faithfully as your Drill Instructor. I shall ever feel it a great pleasure to assist in any way the members of the First Rifles; and any information that I may possess connected with their instruction as Volunteers I shall be most happy to afford. I may be called away shortly, or I may remain here for many years, but wherever I am I shall always remember the time I have spent with you and hope and trust you will ever maintain the position you now hold in the Rifle Corps of Tasmania.”
Sergeant Manning then withdrew and Colonel Russell, who had been present at the drill, requested Captain Solly to convey to the Corps his satisfaction at the manner in which they had gone through their evolutions.’
Officially impressed naming, edge bruise, otherwise very fine SOLD
Single: NEW ZEALAND WAR MEDAL (undated reverse) correctly impressed 425. JAS. MANGAN. 57TH FOOT.
Enlisted in the 57th Foot West Middlesex Regiment 6th August 1857
October to November 1859 Aden then to Poona
Embarked for NZ 23rd November 1860
To Plymouth 23rd January 1861
To Wanganui 2nd July 1861
July to December 1862. NTR at Wanganui
Discharged Manchester 17th August 1867
Comes with further research.
EF SOLD
Single: NGS (QE11) One Clasp; "NEAR EAST" RM.7747 J. R. KING. MNE. R. M.
Near EF SOLD
Single: Punjab Medal with clasps “Goojerat”, “Chilianwala”. Correct period naming to JOHN BRODIE 61ST FOOT.
61st Foot (South Gloucestershire) Foot saw action at the Battle of Ramnagar (November 1848), Battles of Saddalupar and Chillanwala (December 1848-January 1849) and the Battle of Guirat (February 1849);
contact wear Gd F $685
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, 01, 02" impressed "2090 3rd Cl. Tpr. J. Templeton, S.A.C."
NOTE: James Templeton was born in Dumfries in May 1876 and was living in Glasgow at the time of his enlistment in the South African Constabulary in London in February 1901. Appointed a 3rd Class Trooper in the Eastern Division of the S.A.C., he was promoted to 2nd Class Trooper in December 1901 and discharged at Heidelberg in December 1902; sold with copied attestation and service record.
Edge bruise, very fine SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, 01, 02" impressed "25990 TPR. D. C. WHISKEN P. OF W. LT; HORSE"
NOTE: David Charles Whisken also served as Trooper 4041 3rd Imperial Bushmen (NSW) and this is confirmed on the medal roll.
Near EF $1250
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, 01, 02" impressed "27200 TPR; J. R. BUSH P. OF W. LT; HORSE"
NOTE: Comes with a note stating “wounded 18/5/01" and that he was "born in USA from Texas”. Further research required
EK's around 3 o'clock otherwise VG SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, SA01, SA02" impressed 2457 TPR J. McINTRE N. S. WALES M. R.
Note: Trooper J McIntyre, E Sqn, 3rd New South Wales Mounted Rifles
EF SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, SA01, SA02" impressed 3203 Tpr: R. Jackson, N.S.Wales I.B.
Note: Trooper Frederick Jackson, 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen
Good EF SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, SA01, SA02" impressed 3651 Serjt: Maj: J. W. Moore, N.S. Wales M.R
Note: Sergeant Major James William Moore, D Sqn, 3rd New South Wales Mounted Rifles
VF SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps "CC, OFS, T, SA01, SA02" impressed 988 TPR. T. E. TOWNSEND N. S. WALES M. R.
Note: Trooper Thomas Edward Townsend, A Sqn, 3rd New South Wales Mounted Rifles
A few edge nicks, otherwise VF SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps "CC, DR, JOH, DH" impressed 1446 TPR G. MC MAHON N. S. W. BUSHMEN
NOTE: 1446 (or 1445 depending interpretation) G. McMahon also appears on the 6th medal roll as 1445 W. G. McMahon and is entitled to a 1901 clasp (copy of record provided). Further research is required.
EF SOLD
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps "CC, OFS, 01 & 02" impressed "3261 2ND CL. TPR. G. MCGIBBON S.A.C."
Well-worn around the naming but still eligible otherwise VF $350
Single: Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps "CC, OFS, 01, 02" impressed "299 TPR. A. M. LEE IMP; BUSHMEN"
NOTE: Arthur Murray Lee served with the 5th South Australian Imperial Bushmen and was invalided to Australia arriving 31/01/02
VF SOLD
