Other Properties - Australian Groups

Lot 4041    SESSION 10 (9.30AM FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER)    Other Properties - Australian Groups

Estimate $10,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $12,000

DCM, MM GROUP OF FIVE: Distinguished Conduct Medal (GVR type 1); Military Medal (GVR type 1); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19 with MID. 2272 Sjt: R.W.Day. 22/Aust:Inf: on first medal, 2272 Sjt R.W.Day . D.C.M. 22/Aust:Inf: on second medal, 2272 Pte R.W.Day. 22 Bn. A.I.F. on third medal, 2272 T-WO.2. R.W.Day. 22 Bn. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Court mounted, cleaned and attached to cardboard display sheet with tribute fob, b&w photograph and printed details of recipient's service and awards, very fine.

Together with a tribute fob in 15ct gold and features an enamelled 22Bn unit colour patch on obverse, reverse, 'Presented/To/(inscribed) Sgt R.W.Day DCM. MM./22nd. Batt. A.I.F./(die struck) By The Citizens Of/Warracknabeal/In Appreciation Of/His Services In/The Great War/1914-19'.

DCM: LG 6/2/1918, p1748; CAG 27/6/1918, p1395, to Sergeant R.W.Day, 22 Aust Infy Bn.

Recommendation: At Westhoek on the night 17th/18th Sept., 1917. For courage and determination as a Patrol leader. He was in charge of a reconnoitring patrol of 5 men sent out to ascertain the dispositions of enemy posts in front of the line selected for jumping off and brought back valuable information. While in No Man's Land, he was attacked by a strong enemy patrol. By prompt and vigorous action he inflicted sufficient casualties to force them to withdraw, and succeeded in cutting off one German who was later made prisoner by our nearest post. The information resulting from this and other patrols led by Sgt. Day proved of great value in locating definitely the position of enemy posts prior to the attack of 20.9.17

MM: LG 3/7/1919, p8356; CAG 17/10/1919, p1530, to Sergeant R.W.Day, 22 Aust Infy Bn.

Recommendation: For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack near Beaurevoir, East of Peronne, on 4th Oct., 1918. This N.C.O. was in charge of a platoon in the leading wave, and showed remarkable coolness and dash as he led his men through heavy direct machine gun fire. When a large gap was caused through casualties he reorganised the nearest sections and restored the line. On arrival at the objectives he headed the mopping-up parties and bayoneted three of the enemy who refused to surrender. He then collected a small party and pushed out in front, covering the digging of our new posts, and causing the enemy severe losses by skilfully controlling the fire of his men. Throughout he proved himself a gallant and dashing leader and displayed the greatest daring and resource.

MID: LG 28/12/1917, p13567; CAG 18/4/1918, p844, to Sergeant R.W.Day, 22 Aust Infy Bn.

Citation: Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatch of 7-11-17 for distinguished and Gallant Services and Devotion to duty in the field during the period Feb 26 to midnight 20 and 21st Sept. 1917. (AIF List 279 dated 1.1.18).

Recommendation (9/9/1917 but no indication for what award but probably MID): For consistent good work and devotion to duty. This N.C.O. has carried out his work in dangerous positions, with cheerfulness and courage on all occasions. Preparatory to the attack on the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt on 3rd May 1917, he led a daylight patrol over No Man's Land for purposes of reconnaissance, under circumstances of considerable danger. At all times he has set a fine example to his comrades.

Reginald Woodley Day, baker, age 18, born at Croydon, Sth Aust; Enl.20Jul1915 at Melbourne, Vic., with previous service in Senior Cadets and Citizens Forces; Emb.27Sep1915; TOS 22Bn 08Jan1916; proceeded to join BEF 19Mar1916; WIA 05Aug1916, GSW leg, France; to Cpl 28Mar1917 WIA 03May1917 GSW left hand and thigh, France; to Sgt 30Jul1917; RTA 08Apr1919; Disemb.22May1919; Disch.15Jul1919.

With research including copy of Service File.