A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres - Battle of Broodseinde’ M.M. group of four awarded to stretcher bearer, Private H. E. King, 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 25 August 1918
Four: Military Medal, G.V.R. (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (3481 Pte H. E. King. 5 Bn. A.I.F.)
M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Private S. T. C. Izard) states:
‘These men, as stretcher bearers, showed great coolness and devotion to duty in the operations of the 4th October 1917 in the vicinity of Zonnebeke east of Ypres. Casualties were extremely heavy through the enemy barrages of 4th, 5th and 6th and notwithstanding the shelling, fatigue and great danger, they moved about constantly dressing and attending wounded men. They set a fine example of devotion to duty.’
Herbert Ernest King was born in Touugabba, Victoria in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 15 September 1914. King served with the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion in Egypt from 11 October 1915, and in the French theatre of war from 25 March 1916. He was awarded his M.M. for his gallantry whilst serving with ‘C’ Company during the Battle of Broodseinde, Ypres, 4 October 1917.
King was gassed, 25 August 1918. He returned to Australia in January 1919, and was discharged, 2 May 1919.
Mounted for display, lacquered, good very fine $4250
