Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Singles

Lot 4521    Session 14 (4.30pm)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Singles

Estimate $900
Bid at live.noble.com.au

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (GVR). 550 Sgt. H.A.Boys. Naming erased and then engraved. Good very fine.

Harry Arthur Boys, age 24, butcher, born at Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand; previous service with School Cadets; Enl.17Aug1914 in AIF and to camp at Broadmeadows; Emb.19Oct1914 from Melbourne for Middle East as a Driver, 6Bn, 2Bde, 1Div; served at Gallipoli from 25Apr1915; 17May1915 to Egypt; 09Sep1915 to LCpl; 14Feb1916 to Cpl; 22Mar1916 to Sgt; served in ops near Flers from Apr1916 then the Poziere attacks and later Guedecourt; 20Sep1917 WIA near Passchendaele with shrapnel to head and side; 13Oct1917 to UK and Liverpool Military Hospital; 11Jun1918 to Officer Training Course at Cambridge, UK; Embarked UK for RTA 03Dec1918; Disch.28Mar1919.

DCM: LG 26/11/1917, p12326, posn 5; CAG 7/3/1918, p400, posn 106. Recommendation: 'During the operations of 4/6th October 1917, east of Ypres this NCO did magnificent work with the Battalion transport. Everyday the pack train was heavily shelled and it was entirely due to his coolness and prompt action that the pack animals were brought through the hostile barrage. On one occasion when some of the animals were wounded he was instrumental in clearing the road and thus averting a dangerous congestion of traffic. The success of the battalion supply system is largely due to his untiring efforts.'

Other awards for which Sgt H A Boys was recommended but incorrectly recorded at the time in military records under the name of 557 Sgt H Boys 6 Bn were:
1. Croix de Guerre altered to Medaille Militaire: 'On the night 22 April 17, while the Bn was being relieved from the front line, the first line transport had to pass through the village of Morchies, which was being heavily shelled. This NCO, who is transport sergeant, took the transport through the village in three sections going and returning each time himself. He greatly inspired the drivers by his personal bravery and example.'
2. Meritorious Service Medal as Transport Sergeant at Lagnicourt and Bullecourt.

With research.