Other Properties - Aust. Singles

Lot 3268    SESSION 12 (11.30AM THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST)    Other Properties - Aust. Singles

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,100

MILITARY MEDAL, (GVR type 1). 8385 Cpl W.Baxter. 18/By:Aust:A. Impressed. Swing mounted, small edge nick, otherwise very fine.

Together with French Commemorative War Medal 1914-1918, with original ribbon which is damaged; modern colour patch for 6 Aust (Army) Fld Arty Bde on descriptive card.

MM: LG 9/12/1916, p12054; CAG 19/4/1917, p927.

Citation: for conspicuous bravery on 7th August 1916 at Sausage Valley. When the Battery was shelled out, Baxter carried wounded men to safety under heavy fire and returning, immediately dug out two Sergeants who were buried and helped cover the bodies of four men who were killed. He is an excellent soldier who has, on several occasions, set a splendid example to his comrades. On 7th May when the Bridoux Salient was attacked he did good work as a runner.

William Baxter, labourer, age 34, born at London, England; Enl.31Oct1914 (No.151) at Adelaide, Sth Aus, with 10 years previous service with Royal Horse Artillery; Court Martial 21Apr1915; Court Martial Prisoner Under Escort from Rabaul, German New Guinea and struck of strength of A.N.&M.E.F. 19May1915; Disch.21May1915; Re-Enl.28Aug1915 (No.8385) at Adelaide, Sth Aust; Emb.24Nov1915; to join MEF 21Dec1915; to France 23Mar1916; to Bomber (Temp) 7May1916; to Corporal (Temp) 21May1916 and confirmed 15Jun1916; awarded MM in the field 08Nov1916; to Sergeant 18Nov1916; WIA 04Jun1917 gas shell poisoning, France; RTA 21Mar1919; Disch.29Jun1919.

Private Baxter was court martialled in Rabaul, German New Guinea on 15 April 1915 on the following charges,
(1) When on Active Service neglecting to obey a garrison standing order in that he at Rabaul on April 2nd, 1915 was in "Chinatown" without being provided with the authorised pass.
(2) When on Active service drunkenness in that he at Rabaul on April 2nd was drunk in Chinatown.
(3) When on Active Service striking his superior officer in the execution of his duty in that he at Rabaul on April 2nd, 1915 struck Sergeant B.Roy of the Garrison Police with his fist.
(4) When on Active Service when in confinement, escaping in that he at Rabaul on April 6th 1915 when in confinement awaiting trial did escape.
(5) When on Active Service drunkenness in that he, at Rabaul on April 6th, 1915 was found drunk, after having escaped from confinement.
Baxter pleaded guilty to all charges except item 3. After a lengthy hearing involving several witness for and against the defendant he was found guilty of all charges except item 3 and was sentenced to be imprisoned with hard labour for 6 months. Two months' imprisonment was remitted by Order-in-Council No 648 of 1915.

With copy of Gazette and Service File including a full account of his Court Martial (41pp).