Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Lot 3989    SESSION 18 (11.30AM FRIDAY 12TH APRIL)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Estimate $320
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $300

FAMILY GROUP: (Husband) Group of Six: 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. Name erased from first medal, next two medals unnamed, W.A.L.May. R.A.N.V.R. on last three medals. The named medals impressed.; (Wife [married in 1954]) Pair: War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. 105741. D.E.Ward. Both medals impressed. Second group swing mounted, first and third medals of first group without ribbons, last ribbon of second group damaged, otherwise very fine - good very fine.

(Husband) William Arthur Leslie May, born 15Jun1907 at Sydney, NSW; Enl.14Sep1940 at home port of Sydney; Disch.25Sep1946 ex HMAS Platypus; to Sub-Lieut 14Sep1940 and Lieut 14Dec1940; served at various postings including Rushcutter 14Sep1940, London Depot 24Oct1940, King Alfred 20Jan1941, Eaglet 31Jan1941, Orlando 06Apr1941, Nile 05Jun1941, London Depot 21May1942, Asbury 16Dec1942, Drake 07Apr1942, Leander 19Apr1944, USA (San Francisco) 01Apr1945, Penguin 11Jun1945, Platypus 13Jun1946, Rushcutter 22Jun1946; Died 24Jun1962.
Said to be the first Australian RAN Lieutenant sent to Boston in America to train Americans on small ships. Served in the shipping industry before the war and after the war he returned to serving on ships including at Port Moresby in New Guinea and then back in Sydney driving launches to Cockatoo Island and with Sydney Harbour ferries.
(Wife) Doris Ethel Ward (later May), born 27Oct1902 at Hanwell, England; Enl.17Aug1942 at Sydney, NSW in WAAAF at the rank of Aircraftwoman and the mustering of Telephone Operator; served in various postings within Australia; Disch.28Nov1945.
In the 1980s Mrs Doris May was recognised by the Red Cross Society for raising the largest sum of money in a single area, namely the Warringah area in Sydney, NSW.
With research including a b&w photo of Lieut W.A.L.May in uniform.