Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Lot 2180    SESSION 11 (9.30AM THURSDAY 31ST MARCH)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Estimate $3,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

GROUP OF NINE TO POW: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (EIIR) with Australia suspender; Commonwealth of Australia Meritorious Service Medal (EIIR); Greek War Medal 1940-41. The third medal unnamed, NX8726 H.Gray on first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth medals, 2/523 WO1 H Gray RAACC (sic, should be RAAOC). on seventh medal, 2523 WO1 H. Gray ARA on eighth medal and last medal unnamed as issued. The seventh and eighth medals engraved, all other named medals impressed. Swing mounted, some cleaning compound on a few medals and contact marks, otherwise very fine.

Note: Not entitled to France and Germany Star but added by Gray as he was a POW in Germany for four years.

Together with The "First" Post, Journal of the Association of First Infantry Battalions, Vol 16, No.2, March 1981 and Vol 16, No.4, October 1981; religious card issued for the repose of the soul of Eileen Teresa Gray who died 18th July 1980.

LS&GC: CAG No.10 20/2/1958, p562 to 2/523 WO1 Harry Gray RAAOC.

CAMSM: CAG No.84 26/10/1961, p3841 to 2523 WO1 Harry Gray RAAOC.

Served in RAN Reserve under name of Henry Gray official number S/2428 for a term of 3 years from 24Jan1935 and then rejoined 24Jan1938 until 11Jun1939 when he left to join military; Harry Gray, soldier in AMF, age 25, born Gladesville, Sydney, NSW; Enl.24Nov1939 at Ingleburn, Sydney, NSW in 2AIF; Emb.10Jan1940 as Sergeant with 2/2Bn for Middle East; to 2/1Bn in Middle East; to Greece 18Mar1941; to A/WO2 10May1941; reported MIA 09Jun1941 on Crete; later reported POW on Crete 01Jun1941; reported POW at Stalag VIIA 07Nov1941 and again 20Nov1941; reported POW at Oflag IIIC 16Nov1942; reported POW at Stalag 383 10Apr1943; arrived at UK as recovered POW ex West Europe 02May1945; RTA 30May1945; Disemb.07Jul1945 at Sydney, NSW; remained with Interim Army and then transferred to Aust Regular Army, RAAOC; with 1st Base Ordnance Depot at Gaythorne, Qld c1950s; to Lieut (Quartermaster) 13Jul1962; with 2 Base Ord Depot c1962 & again in 1965; 1st Composite Ind Coy c1963, HQ Northern NSW Area c1965, the HQ Singleton; to Temp Capt 21Jul1965; to Capt 13Feb1968; retired and granted rank of Major in Eastern Command 03Oct1969.

In The "First" Post Journal of the Association of First Infantry Battalions, Vol 16, No.4, October 1981 there was published a fitting tribute to Harry Gray. It reads, 'The Last Post, Vale Harry "Sailor" Gray, 'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.'

On the night of Monday 19th October 1981, a man died at the Concord Repatriation Hospital, Sydney. This was no ordinary man - he was "Sailor" Gray, a life member, and, one of the most popular and respected men of the Association of First Battalions. At all times throughout his life "Sailor" was honourable, trustworthy, honest, noble, brave and a friend to all. Truly a man's man. 'Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.'

"Sailor" was born at Gladesville, Sydney on the 3rd October 1914. He was educated at the Marist Brothers College, Hunters Hill. On completion of his schooling he joined the Naval Reserve, later joining the Army. He was with the North Head Battery when war was declared in 1939. He immediately offered his services to his Country and was posted to the original 2/1 Bn at Ingleburn with the rank of Sergeant. 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning.'

"Sailor" sailed with the first contingent of the 2nd A.I.F. aboard S.S.Orford on 10th January 1940. In Palestine and Egypt during that same year he was tireless in moulding and shaping the character and initiative of the Platoons of "B" Company, who later he would so gallantly lead in action. "Sailor" was in the forefront of the action in the battles of Bardia and Tobruk. When the Battalion was ordered to Greece and the long withdrawal took place, he helped his men to overcome all difficulties through his leadership and example. From Servia Pass, over Mt. Olympus and down to the evacuation beaches, "Sailor" showed his great understanding of men and human nature. During the battle of Crete he proved once again the bravery shown in all actions in which he participated, and was a bitterly disappointed man when the remnants of the 2/1 Bn were taken prisoner. He was a P.O.W. in Germany for 4 years.

On his return to Australia, "Sailor" opted to stay in the Army, for many years. He retired as a Major from 2 B.A.D. Singleton NSW after 30 odd years faithful service for his country. (The tribute then extends to his service to the association in the ensuing years up until his death. It can be read in the journal which is included with the lot.)

With copy of Service File and other research.