Lot 4521

Description

Group of Five: Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. The first two medals unnamed, CJ.P.Guille R.A.N.R. on last three medals. The named medals appeared to be engraved. Good very fine - extremely fine.

Together with ribbons display mounted for fitting medals. Only ASM fitted.^^Also entitled to OBE (Military), 1939-45 Star and Pacific Star.^^OBE (Military): LG 5/8/1941, p4509 - Lieutenant C.J.P.Guille RANR (S), HMAS Perth - for bravery and devotion boarding a burning merchant-man.^^Guille was part of the fire party from HMAS Perth (I) which boarded the ammunition ship Essex after she had been struck by a bomb on 16 January 1941. Guille had previously served aboard Essex and his knowledge of the ship enabled him to direct fire parties, engineers and rescue parties, displaying the highest levels of leadership and disregard for personal safety. Upon seeing that the dockyard mains were insufficient, he insisted upon having hoses run from Perth's own mains, which were ultimately the means of saving the ship. Guille was more responsible than any other individual for the ultimate safety of Essex and probably Perth as well.^^Claude James Poingdestre Guille, born 17Mar1908 at Southampton, England; mobilised for service 02Sep1940, home port at Port Lincoln, Sth Aust; to Lieut 22Aug1940; commanded minesweeper, HMAS Mildura 19Jan1942 to 21Jul1943; to A/Lt Cdr 29Nov1943; commanded minesweeper, HMAS Wagga 18Apr1944 to 01Dec1945; Disch.04Jan1946 as Lieutenant ex HMAS Rushcutter.^^Ex Warwick G.Cary Collection.