Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Lot 4006    SESSION 13 - 2.30PM Thursday 31 July    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,000

TRIO: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19; Belgium Croix de Guerre 1914-18. 4287 Pte E. O'Connor. 1 Bn. A.I.F. on first two medals, last medal unnamed. Named medals impressed. Court mounted, good very fine - extremely fine.

Together with silver pendant (34x32mm) in design of elaborately carved and voided star with centrepiece of a St Edward's crown, hallmarked for Birmingham 1894, maker's mark 'J.W.T.' (J.W.Tiptaft & Son Ltd).

Edward O'Connor, storekeeper, age 21, born at Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW; Enl.30Aug1915 at Warwick Farm; Emb.20Dec1916 with 13-23 Reinforcements to 1Bn; 16Feb1916 trf to 54Bn; 16Feb1918 awarded Belgium Croix de Guerre; WIA 16May1918 gassed; RTA 07Apr1919; Disch.17Jun1919 as Medically Unfit.

Croix de Guerre: LG 12/7/1918, p8190, posn 73; CAG 27/11/1918, p2262, posn 60.

Recommended for MM: 'Pte Edward O'Connor is a Battalion Headquarters runner. During the period 23rd to 24th Septr., whilst the 54th Battalion was in the 'Houge' (sic) Hooge Area and subsequently from the 26th to 28th September when the Battalion occupied the position in Glencorse Wood and Noonebosschen Area Pte O'Connor displayed bravery and devotion to duty of the highest order. On the 23rd September he was severely shaken by a shell which burst in Chateau Wood, causing a tree to fall on him, notwithstanding this he refused to be evacuated.

On the 26th September when the enemy heavily shelled the Glencorse Wood Area, and the Menin Road, Pte O'Connor three times took despatches from Battalion Headquarters in Glencorse Wood to Brigade Headquarters. His cheery demeanour under the most trying circumstances, and his high courage were remarked on by all whom came into contact with him.'

With research.