Australian Groups

Lot 3861    Session 13 (2.30pm Friday)    Australian Groups

Estimate $23,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $25,000

GROUP OF FIVE: Distinguished Service Order and Bar (GVR); Military Cross (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 85 Sjt P.W.Woods 3/Bn A.I.F. on third medal, Lieut-Col P.W.Woods A.I.F. on fourth and fifth medals. First two medals unnamed, last three impressed. Very fine.

Ex Ross Sutton Collection. D.S.O.: C.G.: No.57 18Apr1918. 'For the very praiseworthy way in which he commanded the 55th Btn in the absence of its commanding officer for nearly 8 months (except for short intervals) i.e.between 8th January till 19th June 1917, when he was given command. He directed the Battalion when it captured the village of Doignes on the Hindenburg Line on the 2nd April 1917 and during the fighting in that neighbourhood and also during the general advance on Bapaume in March 1917. He has been indefatigable in his administrative work and has brought the interior economy of the Battalion to a high standard'. Bar to D.S.O.: C.G.: No.67 3Jun1919. 'For conspicuous gallantry and able handling of his battalion on 1st and 2nd September, 1918, north of Peronne. The position being obscure after an attack, he went forward personally and consolidated the line under heavy shell and machine gun fire. The two officers and a runner with him were killed, but he continued his work, and completed consolidation. His courage and devotion to duty greatly inspired his men'. M.I.D.: 6/12Aug1915 Lone Pine. 'For great gallantry at Lone Pine. This Officer rallied and organised troops when leaders were few and led them to positions which threatened to be retaken by the enemy. At all times from the landing to the evacuation Lieut Woods showed bravery and great devotion to duty'. Previously recommended 6Dec1915. M.C.: C.G.: No.103 29Jun1917. 'This Officer joined the AIF in Aug 1914 and has not been away from duty with his Battalion since that date. He landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 and showed courage and resource in 19th May 1915 action and in charge on Lone Pine on 6th August 1915. He was mentioned in despatches for gallantry at Lone Pine and received great praise for his organising ability in connection with the evacuation. His work in France has always been of a high order. In the engagement of 19th/20th July 1916 he displayed courage and initiative when officers were fast becoming casualties'. Together with ANZAC commemorative medal named to P.W.Woods, photographs, whistle and research including a copy of 'Reveille', Feb 1, 1933 with an article on Lieut-Col P.W.Woods D.S.O. (and Bar) M.C.