Other Properties - Australian Singles

Lot 4937    SESSION 18 (2.30PM FRIDAY 28 JULY)    Other Properties - Australian Singles

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $3,200

MILITARY MEDAL, (GVR type 1). 568 Tpr: H.F.Pillow. Aust:L.H.R. Impressed. Extremely fine.

MM: LG 18/7/1918, p7288; CAG 8/11/1917, p2943.



Recommendation: At Niorchies, France on morning of 15th April 1917, during the enemy attack on Lagnicourt and Louverval, Trooper Pillow displayed conspicuous gallantry in carrying out his duties as Mounted Despatch Rider attached to the Signal Service of 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde. He carried important despatches under very heavy shell fire to the Battalions in the line, most of the ground over which he had to work being in full view of the enemy. From 10th to 27th April 1917 he continued to carry out similar duties frequently under very hazardous conditions in a conspicuously gallant and able way.



Henry Fenton Pillow, Dookie (Agricultural College) student, age 21, born at Geelong, Vic; Enl.02Mar1915 at Melbourne, Vic with previous service of 5 years in Senior Cadets and 2 years in Light Horse at Geelong; Emb.04Sep1915; served at Gallipoli until evacuation; to 13LHR, 07Jul1916 to 1st Anzac LHR, 26Jul1918 to 24Bn; WIA 18Aug1918, France and DOW; buried by Rev. C.Cogan attached 55CCS at Daours Cemetery.



In the aftermath of his death, one of his fellow soldiers, Cpl G.L.Wilkinson, 13th Light Horse Regt, 3rd A.A. Hospital, Dartford wrote, 'He was in the 24th Battn when he was killed, he having been transferred from 13th Light Horse about a month previously. He was Stretcher Bearing at the time when he was carrying a wounded man out near Framerville and was sniped in thigh by poisonous bullet. I did not see the casualty, but he was taken to Casualty Clearing Station at once, at Davours (sic, Daours), where he died. I cannot remember date of casualty. He was one of my greatest pals and I endeavoured to make special enquiry. He would I think be buried at Davours (sic, Daours). Refer to Lieut. Thewlis, 24th battn., who is now in France, for he can supply full details.'



And in a testimonial to the man, another soldier, L.Gordon Bristow, 13th Aust. L.H., France, wrote, 'Re No.568 Pte. H.F.Pillow. I regret very much that I cannot supply you with any definite particulars about his death. He had previously been transferred from this Unit to the 24th Battalion and at the time of his casualty I was also in Hospital wounded. I can tell you of his appearance and personality though. About 25 years six feet two in the air and weighing close on 14 stone of hard bony manhood, full of dry humour and one of the finest types Australia has produced. Strong face, fair hair and merry grey eyes that looked straight at you. Christian names Harry in the Regiment, Fenn at home. Came from Geelong, Victoria, and was at Dockie Agriclutural College before joining up early in 1915. He was buried in the vicinity of Morcourt, East of Corbie on the Somme, and I believe in a soldier's Cemetery. I have already written to a pal in the 24th for these details, and will gladly forward them to you.'



With research.