Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Lot 3851    Session 12 (11:30am Thursday)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Estimate $6,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $7,600

GROUP OF FOUR: Distinguished Conduct Medal, GVR (in Field Marshall's uniform); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1605 B.S.Mjr: R.D.Allcroft. 7/By:3/A.Bde:Aust:F.A. on first medal, 1605 Gnr. R.D.Allcroft. 3/F.A.Bde. A.I.F. on second medal, 1605 W.O. (2) R.D.Alcroft. 3/F.A.B. A.I.F. on last two medals (note slightly different spelling of surname). All medals impressed. Court style mounting, first and third medals with many contact marks, otherwise fine - very fine.

DCM: LG 3/6/1918, p6484; CAG 7/11/1918, p2111.

Recommendation: France. During the period 22nd Sept 1917 to 24th February 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the above period this Warrant Officer while in charge of parties packing ammunition to gun positions, acted in a consistently gallant manner and showed great resourcefulness, energy and total disregard of all danger in overcoming difficulties with which he was confronted. At all times he set a splendid example to the parties under his charge and it was mainly owing to his energy and ability that the ammunition supply of the battery was kept up under most trying conditions. He has had continuous service with his unit since August 1914, and has at all times set and obtained a high standard of discipline throughout his battery.

First Recommendation for DCM (No award): I desire to bring to notice the excellent work performed by the undermentioned NCO's and gunner of the Ammunition Column, who were detailed to assist my section during operations on the Gallipoli Peninsula for meritorious and excellent work in repairing telephone lines under heavy fire and particularly on May 19th when the line had to be mended on three occasions under occasional heavy shrapnel and rifle fire. Their coolness and intrepidity on this day alone enabled communications to be kept up with the next section. The recommendation is followed by four names including No.1605 Bombardier (since Corp) R.D.Allcroft.

Richard Defaur Allcroft, labourer, age 33, born Gosport, Hantshire, England; previous service of six years with Royal Marine Light Infantry, England; Enl.19Aug1914 at Brisbane, Queensland; Emb.24Sep1914; during the Gallipoli Campaign he was recommended for the DCM; joined the BEF arriving in France 29Mar1916; married in England on 25Aug1917 while on leave; awarded DCM for the period 22Sep1917 to 24Feb1918; RTA with his wife on 05Dec1919; Disch.07Apr1920.

With copies of various documents and photos and research.