Australian Groups

Lot 1037       Australian Groups

Estimate $4,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $5,100

GROUP OF NINE: Military Cross (GVIR) - 1941; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal; Rats of Tobruk Association Medal; Battle of Britain Medal - one bar - Australia Front Line Service Medal; M.R. Ellenby. Second to sixth awards impressed seventh and last engraved. Court mounted for wear in two groups. Very fine.

Together with: Commission in Permanent Military Forces; Studio Portrait in uniform; numerous photographs on service and whilst convalescing following wounding-in-action; newspaper clippings; medical documents; newspaper clippings; official army statement of service; copy of Army Form W3121 - for award of MC; two service ties and 'Rats of Tobruk' souvenir spoon. Malcolm Richard Ellenby served in the 2/10 Bn. 2nd AIF. He was a well known radio and television personality in Adelaide. MC:'This officer has shown continuous gallantry in action in the Field during the period of this unit's service in the Tobruk area. Joining the Bn. from hospital o 23 May 41 Lieut. Ellenby quickly established himself as a gallant leader of men and soon had superiority over the enemy in No-Mans-Land in the Porbes Mound area. By constant patrolling he gained much useful information about the enemy's dispositions. He was untiring in his efforts and again and again led nightly patrols in this and in the Pilastrino Sector, deloused enemy minefields and organized and led strong fighting patrols against enemy occupied sangars. On the night 19/20 Jul at Bir el Carmusa during one of these attacks he was seriously wounded and although unable to walk personally directed the completion of the patrol's task and its successful withdrawal. His very able leadership, courage and gallantry at all times has been magnificent and and he has set a fine example to his men.