Australian Singles

Lot 5314    SESSION 18 (2.30pm Friday)    Australian Singles

Estimate $500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $400

BRITISH WAR MEDAL 1914-18. 1649 Er-Sgt F.T.A.Edwards 39-Bn A.I.F. Impressed. Very fine.

Francis Thomas Aloysius Edwards. Born Carlton (Vic). Enl.05Feb1916 K.I.A.30Aug1918 France, buried Hem Farm Military Cemetery near Peronne. Awarded M.M.26Oct1918. MM.: L.G.: 14May1919 C.G.: 15Sep1919 "At Suzanne on 25th August 1918, for gallantry and devotion to duty during action. On the night of the 24th/25th August two companies were advancing along the road in enemy country towards the village of Suzanne. When the company got to within 500 yards of the objective, fire was opened on it by rifles and a machine gun from an enemy post in the wood on the left side of the road, and our troops had to halt and take cover. Sgt Edwards who was in command of a platoon at the time, immediately got one of his Lewis guns in action firing on the enemy post, with the result that several of the enemy were either killed or wounded, and the remainder of the garrison fled leaving their gun. The prompt action undoubtedly saved heavy casualities to the two companies and the objective was gained without further resistance. The prompt action of this N.C.O. saved a critical situation and his conduct was most exemplary throughout the whole operation. (This gallant N.C.O. was killed in action on 30/8/18)" "The stress of military operations has prevented the earlier forwarding of this recommendation, the facts contained in which were brought to notice during the lifetime of the N.C.O. concerned". Together with Mothers and Widows ribbon with single star.