Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust Groups

Lot 3598    Session 13 (2.30pm Thursday 22nd November)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust Groups

Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $280

PAIR TO CHAPLAIN: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. Chaplain J.Smiley. A.I.F. Impressed. Display mounted, back of ribbons sticky, medals cleaned, otherwise very fine.

Together with Christian Chaplain's hat badge (missing lugs).

John Smiley, clergyman, age 50, born at Londondeery, County Derry, Ireland; Enl.16Jan1916 while at The Manse, Sandringham, Vic and appointed Chaplain 4th Class (Presbyterian); Emb.08Feb1916 on Warilda and RTA 12May1916 on hospital ship Karoola on duty as Transport Staff; Emb.06Jun1916 on Wandilla; served in England, Egypt and France with 31Bn, 1AGH, 1/ADBD; RTA 12Apr1918 as Chaplain on duty for voyage; Appointment terminated 21Nov1918 Medically Unfit with diabetes and eczema; Died 30Jan1951 at his home at Hampton, Vic; Buried at the Old Cheltenham Cemetery.

Rev. John Smiley was clerk of the presbytery of Melbourne South and pastor of the Sandringham Presbyterian Church. During WWII he came out of retirement and in the absence of ministers on active service he was acting minister of both Mooroopna and Shepparton parishes.

With family photo in uniform and Service File.