Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Lot 3968    SESSION 13 - 2.30PM Thursday 31 July    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

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

ANZAC COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLION 1915 (NZ), issued in 1967, in bronze (50x75mm) (C.1915/3), named to H.L.Bruce. In case of issue with certificate, uncirculated.

Herbert Leslie Bruce, architect, of Canberra; to German New Guinea as 2nd Lieut AN&MEF, Emb.18Aug1914; promoted Liuet 01Jan1915; RTA Jan1915; Enl.22Mar1915 in 17Bn, AIF; Emb.12May1915; arrived at Gallipoli 20Aug1915; 28Oct1915 promoted to Capt and transferred to 18Bn; to Adjutant Nov1915; 20Dec1915 evacuated Gallipoli with last party of 5th Bde; to France Mar1916; entered trenches at Armentieres 11Apr1916; CO of Assault Party on night of 26Jun1916 and awarded MC; in attack on Pozieres and then trench warfare and minor operations on the Somme and at Ypres where he also commanded a raid; WIA 22Feb1917 at Somme; 9Apr1917 promoted to Major; RTA 16Jan1919; appointment terminated 24Apr1919.

MC: LG 25/8/1916, p8468, posn 1; CAG No.176 30/11/1916, p3236, posn 23.

Citation: 'For conspicuous gallantry when leading a raid on the enemy's trenches. About thirty of the enemy were killed, and four prisoners taken. By his dash and fine leading he overcame all resistance.'

Recommendation: 'For his gallant leading of the Assault in a successful raid on the enemy's trenches South of Armentieres on the night of 26/27th June 1916, in which about 30 of the enemy were killed by the Raiding Party and four prisoners taken. The Assault Party had to force their way through the enemy's wire and when they reached the trench they were beaten back by the Germans who met them with rifle fire and bayonets. Captain Bruce rallied his party and again led them at the trench which they successfully entered. He shot the Germans with his revolver and by his dashing and cool leadership carried the enterprise through successfully.'

With extensive research including photo image and CD of AN&MEF in Rabaul with listing of personnel including Capt H.L.Bruce.