Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Lot 3693    SESSION 13 (2.30PM THURSDAY 4TH APRIL)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,300

TRIO TO LHR: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 575 Pte K.W.Burgis. 7/L.H.Rgt A.I.F. All medals impressed. Very fine.

Together with Anzac Commemorative Medallion 1915, issued 1967, in bronze (50mm x 75mm) (C.1915/3) inscribed to, 'K.W.Burgis'; also matching lapel badge also inscribed to, 'K.W.Burgis'.

Kenneth William Burgis, window dresser, stated age 16 years 3 months (actual real age was 15 years 7 months), born 05Apr1899 at Sydney, NSW; Enl.30Nov1914 at Holsworthy, NSW in 7LHR and appt Trumpeter; Emb.19Dec1914; neglect of duty for failing to sound Reveille 12Apr1915; proceeded to join MEF at Gallipoli 15May1915; returned to Alexandria from Gallipoli 10Jul1915 in charge of kits; posted as Deserter 15Apr1916; While on active service caught in a gambling school and not wearing identity disc at Tel-el-Kebir 01Aug1916; AWL 13Jul1916 - GOC approved no further action be taken; AWL 11-21Oct1916 - fined loss of pay; posted as deserter and charged for loss of kit at Hill 70 on 02Nov1916; left Salonika as Prisoner and to Alexandria 29Nov1916; admitted to Military Prison Gabbari 30Nov1916; to Moascar under escort for trial and found Guilty - fined forfeiture of pay; trf to 7LHR 20Jan1917 at Moascar; RTA 16Feb1917; Disch.05Apr1917 as Under Age; Re-Enl.07Jul1917 (service no.3410) at Sydney, NSW (residing at High St, Kogarah and now a warehouseman, age 18); Emb.03Sep1917 with 29th Reinforcements 7LHR 19Oct1917; RTA and Disemb.03Aug1919; Disch.01Oct1919.

The Commanding Officer of Trooper K.W.Burgis while he was on Gallipoli wrote a letter from Egypt dated January 10th 1917 to the young boy's father, Staff Sgt Major W.G.Burgis, and in it he stated, 'I was very pleased with him while I was with the Regiment, and he bore himself gamely on Gallipoli, although of course he was altogether too young for to work there.'

With copy of service file.