Australian Groups

Lot 4158       Australian Groups

Estimate $18,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $14,000

GROUP OF NINE. Distinguished Service Order (GVIR) 1946; Military Cross (GVIR) 1942; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45 (M.I.D.) Efficiency Decoration. SX9634 M.R. Jeanes: third to eighth awards impressed, others engraved. Mounted for wear. Very fine. $ A superb fighting multi-gallantry group to an infantry battalion commander, for service in the Middle East and the South West Pacific Area. Together with a warrant for D.S.O. (signed by HM King George VI and the Prime Minister, Mr B. Chifley), M.I.D. certificate; photographs of recipient; official citation from The Governor-General; Rats of Tobruk Medal and letter of entitlement from the 'Rats of Tobruk' Association; Front Line Fighters Medal; and set of miniatures. D.S.O.: L.G. 2 November 1946.'Lieutenant-Colonel Jeanes, a member of 2nd/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion since its formation, took command of the battalion at RAVENSHOE on 31st March 1945. Although handicapped by inexperienced company commanders and the absence of Officers of field rank he commanded his battalion outstandingly in the BORNEO campaigns. Lieutenant-Colonel Jeanes frequently visited forward company areas at critical moments and directed operations fearlessly under fire with high efficiency. MC: L.G. 24 September 1942.'Captain M.R. Jeanes was the commander of a highly successful raid on enemy position South of EL ALEMEIN on the night 7/8 July 42 which resulted in the complete destruction of four enemy A Tk guns, one 75 or 105mm guns, six tractors, one A Tk gun destroyed by the enemy, three damaged British Tanks with haulage gear attached, the recapture of one British Bren carrier, and the capture of nine prisoners of war, one Machine Gun, one Machine Pistol, besides inflicting some 40 casualties. Daring personal recce's and careful organisation by Captain Jeanes prior to the raid, contributed to its success, and the inspiration of his gallantry in the attack, which he led, and spurred on, was most marked. His coolness and leadership set a very high example to those under his command. M.I.D: L.G.30 June 1942-'For distinguished services in the field'.