Australian Groups

Lot 1045       Australian Groups

Estimate $5,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

A UNIQUE COMBINATION DECORATION GROUP TO THE FAMED AUSTRALIAN COASTWATCHERS. Group of nine:- Distinguished Service Cross (GVIR), Military Medal (GVR), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-18, Victory Medal; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star, British War Medal 1939-45; Australian Service Medal, Lieut A. Kirkwall - Smith RANVR. First unnamed others impressed. First World War Medals replacements, original lost due to ebemy action. Very fine. Pair:- Korea Medal; United Nations General Service Medal - Korea, Sgt A.G. Smith N.Z. Army. Impressed. Very fine.

With photographs in uniform First and Second World Wars, a photograph with Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, KBE, MC, AFC; newspaper cuttings; copies of official letters; photocopy of commissions in the RANVR and various letters; a copy of a letter from Commander R.B.M. Long, OBE, RAN (Director of Naval Intelligence), stating part 'You have made history, your work as a castwatcher had a direct upon operations, and in the opinion of the highest ranking officers was invaluable. We, your cooleagues of the Naval Intelligence Bureau, are proud to have known you'; photocopy of certificates of discharge from 'M'. Special Unit, AIF amd RANVR; a copy of his discharge 'flimsy'; (report by CO) stating he was 'an able and courageous Intelligence Officer'; photocopy of army service record. DSC: L.G. 20 February 1945; 'For outstanding courage and skill in hazardous reconnaissance operations in the Far East.' M.M: L.G. 7 March 1918: 'For bravery in the field.' Andrew Kirwall Smith was born at Kirkwall, Scotland, on 27 August 1896. Enlisting in AIF on 5 July 1915 he embarked for overseas service on 10th September 1915. Landing at Gallipoli on 7 December the same year, joining 7th Battalion. Transferring to the artillery on 17th March 1916, he proceeded to France in June 1916. Returning to Australia in June 1919, he was discharged. He took up a copra plantation at Mandang in the 1930's and when war broke out he joined the Australian Intelligence Bureau ('M' Special Unit). Transferring to the RANVR he was commissioned Sub Lieutenant on 20 August 1943 and was discharged on 18 December 1945. After the war, he returned to Australia and took up citrus farming in Victoria. He died at Swan Hill on 7 January 1963.