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Australian Medals
140 products
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
Single: 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
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
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
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, 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
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal both correctly impressed LIEUT. G. W. KEELER. A.I.F. Also entitled to Military Medal and 1914/15 star.
Emb. 22nd December 1914 as number 188
Proceeded to join M.E>F. Gallipoli
Promoted through the ranks to Sgt 19th August 1917
WIA 6th April 1918 (GSW Lt Arm)
Awarded Military Medal, London Gazette 29th August 1918
Appointed 2nd Lieutenant 14th October 1918
Appointed Lieutenant 25th January 1919 “promoted for consistently conscientious work” (The fighting Thirteenth Page 140)
RTA 15th November 1919
Note: No citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research).
VF $1425
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 4478 PTE E. L. STEPHENS 1 BN AIF
Previous service listed as "21st INF MILITIA” (2 YEARS) NSW
Emb. 15th January 1916
WIA or injury (?) initially whilst on duty in France 10th May 1916 "To hospital eye trouble" and goes back and forth from duty to hospital because of this injury.
RTA: Discharging NSW in August 1917 "medically unfit" as a result of “defective eyes”
Note: There is an unopened “Vocational Training” file in National Archives (1920). This was a scheme to give selected soldiers training in a trade post war.
Good VF $375
PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 377 PTE N. D. CUDDEFORD 1 BN AIF.
EMB: 3RD May 1916 with the 1st ANZAC Cyclist Corps before transferring to the 1st BN AIF September 1916
8th April 1917 admitted to hospital with trench feet and paratyphoid fever
Records show various disciplinary charges, all minor and appear to stem from being late on parade.
RTA: 19th February 1919 and discharged Medically unfit NSW (from Cootamundra)
VF $375
Family Grouping:
PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 6846 A-CPL (PTE ON VICTORY MEDAL) R. J. WATSON 2 BN AIF
EMB: 8th November 1916
WIA/KIA: Initially classed as wounded 6th November 1917, then reported wounded/missing before he was finally reported Killed in Action after a court of inquiry into his death.
Private Harris from his battalion gave the following statement in reference to Cpl Watson’s death; “Watson was buried by shell at Passchendaele on the 6th November with McDonald, Sutcliffe and Cox. I helped to dig them out and buried them behind the trench which was just in rear of village.”
Confirming Private Harris’s statement to be true and correct, Cpl Watson’s body was exhumed at the first possible opportunity and he now rests in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery (six and half miles N. E. from Ypres).
Also comes with a British War and Victory Medal (pair) correctly impressed to 181003 GNR J. W. S. WATSON R. A. Medal roll confirms this to be the full entitlement to John William Stewart Watson who is believed to be Robert’s brother. Further research required
VF $775
Pair: 1914/15 Star and British War medal (missing Victory medal). Both correctly impressed to 2780 PTE F. W. BARKER 2/BN A.I.F. (CPL on War Medal)
Emb. 30th September 1915
Transferred to the 55th Bty 14th Brigade 16th March 1916
WIA. 20th October 1917 (Gassed)
Discharged 6th October 1919
VF $385
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 6983 PTE M. GRIFFIN 2 BN AIF
Previous service listed as "A.M.C."
Emb. 9th November 1916
WIA 22nd September 1917 "GSW L/Foot Severe"
RTA: 5th April 1918 and subsequently discharged "medically unfit" as a result of his wounds
Near EF $400
Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 769 DVR (PTE on star). C. A. HANDLEY 4/BN AIF.
EMB: 20th Oct 1914
Joined Battalion on Gallipoli 14th June 1915
Left Gallipoli on the 7th August 1915 "sick"
21st September 1917 appointed driver
Hospital France (influenza) 21st Dec 1916
RTA: 24th September 1918
Note: Private Cecil Albyn Handley appears to have WW2 home service as N70284 with the rank WO2
VF $975
Four: 1914/15 star, British War, Victory Medal and War Medal 1939/45. WW1 trio correctly impressed to 647 T/SJT (PTE on star) C. L. WILLIAMS 6/BN AIF. War medal 1939/45 correctly impressed V83170 C. L. WILLIAMS (Full entitlement).
EMB: 19th October 1914
WIA: 4th May 1915 Gallipoli "G. S. W. neck"
2nd WIA: 3rd May 1916 Gallipoli "G. S. W. lower extremities"
Transferred to Ordnance Corps 8th August 1917
RTA: 23rd October 1918 "Special leave"
Returned to the UK and taken on strength at A.I.F. HDQRS with rank of Hon. SGT.
RTA: 22nd October 1919
WW2 home service was recorded as HQ3 DIST DETAILS CAMP from 14th March 1940 until 20th July 1941 (16 months). The requirement for the Australian Service Medal at the time being 18 months makes this group his full entitlement
Note: An early entry in May 1915 at Gallipoli of a soldier being wounded is often due to wounds caused during the landing. Battalion musters were not able to be performed on the beach until the 2nd of May and records and information was filled in as a result of those initial musters.
National Archives records have Charles Latham Williams file incorrectly numbered as 649 when researching
VF $1300
Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3274 PTE. T. M. COLE 8/BN AIF.
EMB: 11th Oct 1915
WIA: 18th April 1917 (concussion, head) France
RTA: 27th Sept 1917
Discharged: 3rd M.D (medically unfit) 26th Dec 1917
GOOD VF $995
Three: Private G. L. F. Butcher, 8th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 26 July 1916
1914-15 Star (262 Pte. G. L. F. Butcher. 8/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (262 Pte. G. L. F. Butcher. 8-Bn. A.I.F.)
Gordon Leslie Fleuret Butcher attested for the Australian Imperial Force and served initially with the 8th Battalion during the Great War, before transferring to the 58th Battalion. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 26 July 1916, while serving with the latter unit, and is buried at Rue-de-Bois Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, France.
Light traces of verdigris, very fine $1200
Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 4456 Pte. T. Clough 8 Bn. AIF
emb. 28 Jan 1916 RTA 5 Jan 1919
1)WIA 16 July 1916 58 Bn. 2) 1. Nov 1918 3) recorded GSW 4.Dec 1918
A nice multi wounded pair.
Near VF $525
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 484 PTE W. JONES 8 - BN AIF
Emb. 27th May 1916
Transferred to 8th Bn from the 39th (hence the low service number) 9th September 1916
WIA 20th September 1917 "GSW Rt Buttock Severe" and also shows as "Shrapnel Wound Neck"
Discharged "medically unfit" as a result of the wounding on the 8th May 1918
VF $425
Pair: 1914/15 Star and Victory medal (missing BWM). Both correctly impressed to 2781 PTE D. BAMBRIDGE 8 BN AIF
Emb. 15 Sept. 1915
WIA. 26 July 1916 (shell shock)
2nd WIA 9 August 1918 (G.S.W. right arm)
Disch. 8 April 1919
Pte Bambridge also served in the short lived 69th Bn AIF
VF $450
Family grouping of two brothers who tragically died in France
Group 1; Pair: 1914/15 Star and Victory medal (missing British war medal). Both correctly impressed to 1384 PTE H. MORRIS 8/BN A.I.F. (1314 CPL H. MORRIS 8 BN A.I.F. on victory)
Emb. 2nd February 1915
Admitted to hospital Gallipoli sick 9th September 1915
Transferred to 4th Light Mortar Battery 14th August 1916
Died of injuries on the 31st August 1918 caused by a motor accident (fractured skull). This was whilst on active service behind the lines in France and he was taken to the 4th Field Ambulance and then to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station where he died.
Cemetery details: Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Picardie, France
Group 2; Pair: 1914/15 Star and Victory medal (missing British war medal). Both correctly impressed to 3419 PTE C. MORRIS 14/BN A.I.F.
Emb. 11th October 1915
KIA: 11th April 1917 (No body was found of Private Morris after the attack on Villers-Bretonneux)
Memorial details: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Picardie, France
Note: Includes the badges pictured and a beautiful gold fob with “HONOUR AND FREEDOM, AIF” encircling a soldier with the reverse inscribed “To William Morris, A grateful tribute from his friends of Weewin. In the memory of his son C. Morris”
Near EF $1425
PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 1576 L/CPL T. KELLEHER 9 BN AIF.
EMB: 13th February 1915 with the 9th Battalion
RTA: 4th May 1915 for reasons unknown (due to this part of the file missing). The 9th Battalion was in the initial waves at the landing at Gallipoli and by the 4th May it is possible that slightly wounded or stable wounded could have been sent home to recover (depending on the wound). There is no reference to a charge appearing later on in his service and a wound or injury seems the only likely event that once recovered would carry no prejudice on re-enlistment.
EMB: Now as number 2487 with the 8th BN on the 16th July 1915
Absent without Leave on the 16th August until apprehended by the Military Police. Also for using threatening language to a superior and attempting to escape. Sentenced 28 days detention as of the 13 September 1915
Taken on strength at Lemnos on the 31st October 1915 heading for Gallipoli. We can only assume he reached Gallipoli with nearly two months left of fighting before the evacuation and the next entry in his records show him disembarking at Alexandria on the 7th of January 1916 with the rest of Gallipoli’s evacuated force.
Transferred to the 57th BN on the 22nd March 1916
KIA: 25th October 1917 Belgium. Unfortunately no body was recovered for Thomas Keleher and he is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial.
Note: A letter on file from his mother alerts us to the sad fact that his brother number 2696 Private James Martin Keleher 3rd BN AIF was also killed in action the year before on the 25th of July 1916 at Villers-Bretonneux
When searching records for Thomas Kelleher he may appear under his second number 2487 and the family surname is spelt with one “L”. Missing 1914/15 star based on previous enlistment. On the surface he was a very interesting man and hopefully with good research his full story will be discovered.
VF $625
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 3052 PTE T. McCAULEY 10 BN AIF
Emb. 14th September 1915
Transferred to the 50th Bn (26th February 1916)
Transferred to the Australian Army Medical Corps officially the 6th March 1919 but parading with unit from the 2nd November 1918
Discharged 4th military district 13th August 1919 Medically unfit
Note: Entitled to 1914/15 star, however the pair was re-united recently (2018) giving hope that the 1914/15 Star will eventually turn up. A note that came with medal indicates he died in 1930 with the official records stating “died after discharge”.
VF+ $375
Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 5236 PTE E. WALLIS 10 BN AIF
Emb. 25th March 1916
Sprained Left Ankle (Severe) 16th October 1916 "In the field"
Transferred to the 70th Bn (23rd March 1917)
RTA: For home service on the 27th August 1917 due to age.
VF+ $375
Trio: 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 2417 PTE. C. McCARTHY 11/BN AIF.
Charles McCarthy enlisted on the 10th May 1915 in to the 11th Bn A.I.F.
Taken on strength 7th Reinforcements 11 Battalion at the Dardanelles on the 4th August 1915
11th November 1915 leaves Gallipoli Peninsula due to Dysentery
18th November 1916 whilst meant to be recovering in London Charles is arrested for AWOL and being out of uniform. He is awarded 12 months in prison hard labour.
Sentence reduced to 6 months and in June 1917 Charles was back on the frontline with the 11th Battalion where he stayed until the end of the war.
RTA: 27th April 1919 Discharging 5:M.D in June that year.
VF+ $785
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