Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Lot 3498    Session 12 (11:30am Thursday)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Estimate $750
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,600

MEMORIAL PLAQUE WWI, named to Samuel Edward Townshend. In original protective cardboard holder, uncirculated.

Together with; 1. Sydney University Medal, in bronze (52mm), inscribed on reverse, 'L.L.B.Examination/1909/Samuel Edward Townshend', in case of issue by John Hurst & Co, 4 Hunter Street, Sydney. 2. Sydney University Scouts, 1903-27, hat badge in bronze (34mm). 3. National Rifle Association of N.S.W., shooting medal in silver, reverse inscribed, 'E.S.Townsend/1904' (note mis-spelling and reversing of initials), in case of issue by E.Butcher & Co, 126 Pitt Street.

Samuel Edward Townshend, BA, LLB (Sydney Uni), was born at Mackay, Queensland and was educated at Sydney High School and then Sydney University graduating in Arts in 1905 and Law in 1909 winning the University Medal. He was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1909. Samuel was a keen rifle shooter winning many competitions at the National Rifle Association of NSW. He was the Registrar at the newly established University of WA when he enlisted on 1 October 1914 and was commissioned as a Captain in the 16th Battalion. He had previously served continuously for thirteen years with Sydney University Scouts and was Captain and third in command up to 2 August 1914. Samuel embarked on 22 December 1914 ex Melbourne on HMAT Ceramic bound for Egypt and arrived on 3 February 1915.

After training, the 16th Battalion landed at Anzac Cove at about 6pm on 25 April 1915 and made its way into the hills. By 2 May the battalion of about 1,000 men had lost 8 officers and 330 men. The 16th was then moved to Quinns Post which was under continual enemy fire. On 9 May an organised Turkish attack was repelled. Following this a group of 40 men under Captain Townshend was ordered to charge one of the sections re-occupied by the Turks and to re-take the position. Samuel led the attack and as he went over the parapet he shouted 'Fix bayonets - when I call 'Australia forever' charge boys.' They were met with a hail of murderous fire, Samuel being shot in the foot and later shot fatally as he was being evacuated from the battle. Captain Townshend is commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial.

With research.