Sold

Memorial Plaque: Correct one piece cast named to WILLIAM HENRY PERKINS.

2971B Pte William Henry Perkins embarked on the 25^th October 1916 from Sydney with the 55th Battalion AIF.

He was Killed in Action on the 15^th April 1917 France with the 17^th Battalion at the age of 20

Private J. C. Jones of C Company 17^th Battalion gives the following account of Private Perkins death “near Bapaume on April 17^th, in a surprise attack in which they were forced to retire. He was wounded in the head and very severely in the legs and he is sure that his death was instantaneous.”

Memorial details:  Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France

Place of association: Tumbarumba, New South Wales

Slight surface marks otherwise VF SOLD

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 VX42588 W. P. SHAW

Cpl Shaw’s service records are open on the national archives website

Enlisted 3^rd July 1940 into the Australian Army at Caulfield, Victoria. Previous service listed in WW1 from Tasmania but did not make it overseas with cease of hostilities.

Overseas service shown as “Middle East” 6^th November 1940 – 11^th December 1942 serving with 2/24^th Battalion

Due to illness contracted in the Middle East on his return to Australia Cpl Shaw saw service with 2^nd movements group

Discharged 11^th July 1946

Note: Medals come with Bible, Tobruk Seige medal, engraved “W. Shaw VX42588”, miniatures, ribbon bar and RSL badge.

VF SOLD

Photo From Tasmanians in the Transvaal War

Single : QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 Three clasps "CC, T, S.A.02" impressed 1213 ................. AUS: COM: H.

The service number and Commonwealth Horse stamping (both impressed) is very clear. As there is only one soldier in the Commonwealth Horse with that number, it can only be Pte Walter Arnott Brooke from Tasmania.

On close examination you can see the surname Brooke under magnifying glass. A good chance to buy a rare Tasmanian QSA at a fraction of the cost.

Apart from naming VF SOLD

Single: Rare Commonwealth of Australia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Edward VII issue. Correctly chisel engraved to 521 A/Bdr W. Clarke R.A.A. 30.1.09.

Williams claims only 167 issued EF SOLD

An excessively rare and historically important pre federation Western Australian GOLD Police 1897 Jubilee/Long Service Medal and engraved presentation gold Waltham pocket watch. Both presented to Inspector E.G.Back (Fremantle).

Three very important aspects of the medal need to be borne in mind. Firstly, it is a unique and extremely rare commemorative medal. Secondly, it is in addition a long service and good conduct medal, the eligibility being limited to members of the Force “of long service and good character”. Thirdly, in regard to point two, it was the first official medal of that kind ever struck for any organisation of any type in Australia.

Born in Fremantle in 1839, Edward George Back is truly one of the "first West Australians". Son of a Master Mariner (who was the pilot in Fremantle Harbour and Rottnest) and spent 30 years in the WA Police Force. Included in this lot are an illuminated colour invitation to the "Australian Commonwealth Celebrations 1901", An illustrated invitation from the Government of Western Australia for the Royal Visit 1901 and an official letter relating to same.

This is the only GOLD Medal of the 10 awarded that is known to survive. For some further details, please visit  http://policewahistory.org.au/html_pages/Gold_medal.html

SOLD

A culturally important group in connection with our bushranging days. This group comprises of an Edward VII Imperial Service medal (first star type) correctly period engraved to FREDERICK FOWLER.  Indian Mutiny Medal jewelers clasp “CENTRAL INDIA” period re-named engraved caps. F. FOWLER 5 BENGL. EUROPN. CAVLRY. And a New Zealand War Medal dated “1861 to 1866” correctly impressed SERGT F. FOWLER. 3^RD, WAIKATO REGT.

THERE IS SO MUCH INFORMATION ON TROVE FOR SUB-INSPECTOR FOWLER THAT WE HAVE COMPRISED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS ONLY THE START OF RESEARCH

After Frederick Fowler completed his service in New Zealand he was asked by the New South Wales Mounted Police to join. One Newspaper article reports the dismay of the other police at the time in the recruiting of a soldier. Australians in the Waikato War by Barton show his as the only medal sent out to the Mounted Police Force.

Rising through the ranks Fowler had an extraordinary career catching many Bushrangers, quelling mining riots and can even be found in the company of Senior sergeant Fitzpatrick (of Ned Kelly fame) in Clarendon at the time that they were hunting the Kelly Gang.

ISM London Gazette date June 26, 1908. The ISM was awarded to Sub –inspector Fowler who rendered special service at the Araluen riots and during the maritime and mining strikes.

During the Araluen riots the crowd “were armed with revolvers, which they were determined to use, lives would have certainly have been lost. Thirty-two revolvers, we understand, were taken from this body by the police”. FREEMANS JOURNAL SYDNEY SATURDAY 29^TH OCTOBER 1870

Below is a list that we have found (so far) of the names of Bushrangers that the newspapers credit Fowler with catching. Some use different Alias’s and may be the same person who changed his name across the state borders.

WILLIAM SLEIGH

FRANK QUI(N)LAN

CLARENCE (RIVER) BUSHRANGER

A BUSHRANGER USING THE ALIAS “WARD”

BOMBALA MURDERER

GRAFTON BOY BUSHRANGER

SLY THE RICHMOND

TASMANIAN LYNCH

JACK-IN-THE-BOX

Important note: The Indian Mutiny medal is a self-award and the clasp has been modified (possibly in the colony) to say “CENTRAL INDIA”. There may be a temptation to exclude this medal from the already impressive group, but especially since this group has come directly from the family, we felt that it tells an extra part of his story. Period records suggest that as a boy he was in the Mauritius police for some time and also worked on the boats before settling in Australia and such, he may have even done something that made him believe he was entitled to it.

  Comes with period miniatures and original photo.  

SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 1951 PTE B. R. WILSON 36/BN AIF.

EMB: 4^th Sept 1916

Taken on strength 36^thBN 18^{th Jan 1917}

W.I.A 15^th April 1918 France (G.S.W thigh)

Discharged 18^th May 1919 2^nd M.D.

Note: Comes with original RSL badge

GOOD VF SOLD

THREE TIMES WOUNDED AT QUINNS POST

Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 1627 DVR J. LAIDLAW 16/BN AIF (L-CPL ON PAIR).

Emb: 22^nd February 1915

WIA: 22^nd May 1915 “Bomb wound Left Elbow and Right Hand” “at the Dardanelles”

2^nd WIA: 27^th May 1915”Abrasions” “at the Dardanelles”

3^rd WIA: 28^th May 1915 “Shrapnel wound fingers” “Again reported wounded”

Whilst there is no dispute over the amount of wounding’s James Laidlaw’s received, records show conflicting entries in regards to the exact day of each wound. This is understandable due the intense fighting which is best put by local author Ian Gill in his book the Bloody Angle stating “this post being deemed the most dangerous in ANZAC”

AWM has the following citation for Driver Laidlaw dated 25^th October 1917;

“Is brought to notice for gallant conduct with a pack mule convoy on the 23^rd October 1917 near BROODSEINDE. When the convoy was nearing BROODSEINDE it ran into an enemy barrage which caused casualties and confusion amongst the men and the mules. Driver Laidlaw, with great coolness and resource, collected the animals that had broken away and helped to re-load the rations from the dead mules to his own, and went on again. He is strongly recommended for distinction”

RTA: 24^th January 1919 (Gallipoli service through to discharging in 1919 making him entitled to wear ANZAC “A”’s)

Note: With the word “Passed” on the citation It is unclear as to what award James Laidlaw received (Mentioned in Despatches, C in C congratulatory card?) as the award column is undecipherable.

VF SOLD

POPE’s VC ACTION

Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3444 PTE W. PIERCE 11/BN AIF (L-CPL ON PAIR).

POPE’s VC  “On 15 April 1917 at Louverval, France, during the Battle of Lagnicourt,  he was in command of a very important picquet post, with orders to hold it at all costs amidst a heavy German attack. The enemy, in greatly superior numbers, attacked and surrounded the post and ammunition was running short. Pope, in a desperate bid to save the position, was "seen to charge with his men into a superior enemy force, by which they were overpowered", although heavy losses were inflicted. He had "obeyed the order to hold out to the last" and his lifeless body, along with those of most of his men, was found amongst 80 enemy dead.

The 11th Battalion, despite suffering over 245 casualties, was subsequently able to hold their sector of the line. For his actions Pope was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross”

Volume IV, page 373 of Charles Bean’s Official history states the following in regards to Private Pierce in the action;

“Another man, Private W. Pierce (of Perth, W. Aust.), who volunteered to bring ammunition, managed to return with it to his post, though wounded.”

 “MISSING IN ACTION” 16^TH April 1917.

“Wounded and captured Cambrai” later confirmed on German list dated 30^th July 1917

Prisoner of War – Interned Hilfs Lazarett Hohenzollern Park Magdeburg “Extract Post-Card from man dated 4.7.17”

Red Cross file records a postcard from Cpl Pierce now interned at Alten Grabow 1^st December 1917 stating the following;

“My parcels come very good. I could not wish for better. If I want anything I will let you know. I am keeping the best of health.”

Repatriated Prisoner of War 19^th December 1918

RTA: 19^th April 1919

Good VF SOLD

Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 118 PTE. H. C. FOX 29/BN AIF.

EMB: 10th November 1915 (29th Bn)

Transferred to the 14th Field Ambulance 21st March 1916

To be Driver 25th April 1917

Discharged 2nd July 1919

VF SOLD

Pair: British war medal and Victory medal impressed to 2196 A-L-CPL J. KENNERLEY. 51 BN A.I.F.

Previous service listed as 20^th Signal Coy Engineers, 6 months

Emb. 9^th August 1916 51^st Bn

WIA: 5^th April 1918 “G.S.W. Left Arm Serious”

RTA: 28^th February 1919

Note: Comes with his 98 page diary filled out completely from Blackboy Hill until his discharge. On the day of his wounding he had the following to say “Fritz tried to break through but failed. He put over a very heavy Barage, and I had the luck to get a backslash wound in the upper part of the left arm between 10 & 11 o’clock in the morning.”

A very extensive diary with all places, attacks and timings entered down to the hour.

VF SOLD

Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 5414 PTE A. R. RODGER 16 BN A.I.F.

Emb. 7 June 1916

On the 20th September 1916 Private Rodger was charged with desertion. He was found not guilty (as a guilty sentence resulted in a firing squad and Australia did not execute its men). His charge was downgraded to "absent without leave" and was sentenced to 2 years hard labour. After he served his time, private Rodger returned to active duty on the front line and was wounded in action.

WIA 8th August 1918 Shrapnel wound (knee)

RTA 11th February 1919

Comes with a newspaper clipping of his death in 1970 and a large original photo.

 VF SOLD

Gunner Joseph William Gardner (Picture is courtesy of a collage on AWM website)

Pair: British War Medal and Victory Medal impressed to 11475 GNR J. W. GARDNER 5 F.A.B. AIF

Emb. 15th January 1916

Accidently injured. 23rd May 1917.  "run into by motor waggon" (contused ankle)

WIA/DOW 18th April 1918

"GSW both legs. Frac. L. Leg, arms R. Buttock. Dead on admission.

 Buried Franvillers cemetry 25th April 1918

 VF SOLD

Six: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Australian Service Medal and Unofficial Tobruk Medal. All official medals correctly impressed to WX7280 M. G. RYAN

Occupation on enlistment “Prospector”, Next of Kin Busselton WA

Previous service: 1 year 11 Bn C.M.F.

Taken on strength of the 2/28^th BN and embarked on the 4^th Jan. 1940 for the Middle East.

After more than two years’ service in the Middle East including Tobruk (April-August 1941), Private Ryan was discharged medically unfit due to dysentery and fever (along with other symptoms). He also states the location where the symptoms first occur was “Tobruk”

Note: Comes with copy of service record

 VF SOLD

MM (GVI) and WWII group of six to WX1822 Corporal John Torrens Snelling all medals correctly impressed. A painter from Northam, WA, he enlisted on 4 Mar 1940, as one of the 2/11th Bn reinforcements reallocated to raise the Australian 25th Brigade in the UK. An original member of ‘B’ Company, 2/31st Bn, he took part in the 2/31st Bn defence of Mersa Matruh in Apr-May 1941, then the advance into Lebanon in June. During the Battalion’s first engagement with the enemy at Khirbe, during the capture of Merdjayoun, B and D companies were caught by surprise in the open by a Vichy French fireplan, leaving many wounded men without cover. As a driver, he made numerous trips forward, initially by vehicle, then on foot, rescuing at least eight men. He was recommended for the immediate award of the DCM, but subsequently awarded an immediate MM for his extreme bravery in crossing the fire swept ground in front of the well-defended enemy position. Merdjayoun was eventually captured, for the loss of 16 killed and 34 wounded and was the first of WX2437 PTE James Heather Gordon of B Coy’s actions cited, for which he was awarded the first West Australian VC of the war. He took part in the capture of Jezzine, and was wounded in action by a shell blast during the Vichy counter-attack on 16 Jul, leaving him partially blind. He returned to Australia with the 2/31st in Jan 1942 and was transferred to the 2/1st Guard Bn, serving in New Guinea and Morotai until the end of the war. He returned to WA and was discharged in Sep 1945, worked as a painter for the WA Government Railways until retirement, and died in Como, WA, on 27 May 1991. (group swing mounted as worn, on original ribbons. Includes original portrait photo in uniform, original colour patch, and his RAS Badge)

Good/VF SOLD

Australian Camel Corps

FAMILY GROUPING OF FATHER (CAMEL CORPS) AND SON (CHANGI POW)

GROUP 1: FOUR: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 1393 PTE R. WILLIAMS 32/BN AIF. Death plaque correctly named to ROBERT WILLIAMS

EMB: 18th November 1915 with the 32^nd Battalion.

Transferred to the Camel Corps on the 24^th January 1916. Previous occupation “Jockey”

It appears Private Williams was severely injured by a “Defective Cap” which caused a “Compound Fracture of Radius…B. W. Forearm” whilst on duty with the Camel Corps on the 15^th March 1916 at Assuit

He was further invalided to Australia to recover on the 24^th June 1916

Admitted to 8^th A.G. Hospital (Subiaco, Western Australia) 14th February 1917 “Delirium Tremens” and died a few days later. Cause of death stated as “Cerebro Spinal Meningitis”

Note: As his death was war related and as he was still serving this is a rare example of a soldier receiving a Death Plaque even though his died in Australia.

Liberated Changi POW's

GROUP 2: Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star. War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939/45 all medals correctly impressed to WX16956 R. S. WILLIAMS

Robert Sydenham Williams (known as “Thirsty Bob”) enlisted 8^th October 1941 and was taken on strength with the 2/4^th Machine Gun Battalion 30^th December 1941

Sailed for Singapore 16^th January 1942 and was attached to E Company 1 platoon of the Special Reserve Battalion (all Machine Gunners) under the command of Major Bert Saggers.

He was recovered at Changi Gaol Camp on the 4^th September 1945. Returning to Sydney from Singapore via Darwin on the Hospital Ship Oranje, then by train to Perth to 110 Military Hospital with Berri Berri (Malnutritian).

Discharged 4^th April 1946

Note: Major A. E. Saggers wrote the book “To Hell and Back” which may give further incite. Also comes with masonic medal dated 1938 to R. Williams

Both groups VF SOLD

Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3062 PTE F. G. NEDWICH 15/BN AIF.

EMB: 5^th Oct 1915

Transferred to 47^thBN 3^rd March 1916

Transferred to 4^th Field Butchery 16^th March 1916

Taken on strength 49^th BN 29^th July 1918

Discharged: 24^th July 1919

Note: Comes with original discharge certificate and photo.

 VF SOLD

Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 706 PTE. W. H. TOMS 27/BN AIF. (SGT on BWM & VM)

EMB: 31^st May 1915

Taken ill 1^st November 1915 after escorting prisoner from the front

Promoted Sergeant 19^th August 1916

KIA: 5^th November Villers-Bretonneux

Note: Served on Galliipoli and then in France where he was reported missing on the 5^th November 1916 near Flers in the attack on The Maze. Later confirmed as killed in action.

SOLD

Single: SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL1853 impressed to JOHN HALPIN, 74^TH REGT

John Halpin was born 1822 in Limerick, Tipperary, Ireland joining the 74^th Regiment (number 1766) on the 22^nd February 1840, at the age of 18. John saw service in the 3^rd Kaffir war of 1850-53 with his unit the 74^th Highland Regiment. In 1864 after 20 years of service and in receipt of a pension he migrated to Sydney NSW along with his five children on board “The Queen of the East”. His wife was not aboard but was noted as already living in the colony; John’s occupation was listed as Shoemaker and soldier.

Good, fine SOLD

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2024 L/CPL S. R. WOOLBANK 45/BN AIF.

EMB: 22^nd Apr 1917

Appointed L/CPL 4^th Mar 1917

W.I.A: G.S.W buttocks (multiple) & hand 7^th Jun 1917

RTA: 21^st Dec 1917 (Due to wounds)

VF SOLD

Trio: Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 2669 PTE. W. J. WILKIE 41. BN. A.I.F.

Emb. 17th November 1916

Commonwealth Gazette 27th June 1918

RTA 14th January 1919

Records show that Private Wilkie was awarded his Military Medal "in the field" and as a result no citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research). Interestingly we do have a citation of where Private Wilkie is recommended for a "Bar" to his Military Medal, which was subsequently not awarded like so many of the late war awards.

In 1944 Private Wilkie applies for a re-issue of his medals as his original medals are lost. A rare chance to purchase a good infantry Military Medal group (that was nearly an MM and Bar) at a reduced price

Good VF 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

India General Service Medal 1854 one clasp : "Burma 1885 - 7" named in running script to: 1162 Pte. T. Keohane 2nd Bn.Rl.Muns.Fus.

This medal was originally found on the Geraldton rubbish tip - north of Perth. It appears the Keohane family came to Western Australia in the early 1900's.

Worthy of further research

Good/VF SOLD

Trio : QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL, BRITISH WAR MEDAL AND VICTORY MEDAL. QSA with three clasps "CC, OFS, T" impressed 1153 SHG: STH: E. J. BISHOP VICTORIAN M.R. BWM and Victory Medal impressed 3303 A-SGT. E. J. BISHOP 5 PNR BN AIF.

Edward John Bishop’s Boer war service was with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles as the Farrier Corporal and all three clasps are confirmed on the roll.

Enlisted in WW1 and trained with the 44^th and 48^th Battalion prior to departing with the 5^th Pioneer Battalion

Emb: 23^rd December 1916

Taken on strength Pioneer training Bn 18^th February 1917 before proceeding to France

WIA: 30^th September 1917 (remained on duty) France

Gassed but as it was caused by mishap it is not classed as a wounding (14th May 1918) “Platoon marched into to Corbie 13.5.18 which had been gas-shelled. Billets cleared and gas proofed and men warned against gas. L/Cpl Bishop with others visited areas other than billet area, which has been badly gassed. Evacuated following day sore eyes” No disciplinary action was taken.

2^nd WIA: 23^rd July 1918 (remained on duty) France

RTA: 10^th March 1919 and discharged 5^th Military District Western Australia

A great letter in Sergeant Bishop’s records by his wife describes his service “my husband said they were turned out of the hospital before they were well enough to make room for other cases and had to do two days march about 26 miles & had only been out of bed a few days. This sort of treatment to our men, to me, lwei’s what we would only expect from the enemy.

I do not want you to get the impression that my husband is a milk of water man, he has been fighting in France for fifteen (15) months without any leave and although reported twice wounded he remained each time on duty and has only been out of the fighting line when gassed. He is now 45 years of age and fought 16 months in the South African Boer war without a day’s leave” 

VF SOLD