Other Properties - Aust. Groups

Lot 3647    SESSION 8 (2.00PM THURSDAY 30TH JULY)    Other Properties - Aust. Groups

Estimate $2,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $11,000

MM AND BAR TRIO: Military Medal (GVR type 1) with Bar; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1393 Cpl E.W.Simon. 15/Aust:Inf:Bn: on first medal, Lieut E.W.Simon. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. With original ribbons, the bar on first medal loose, all medals toned, otherwise extremely fine.

Entitled to 1914-15 Star; and Commander-in-Chief's Congratulatory Card (not included).

MM: LG 27/10/1916, p10487; CAG 19/4/1917, p919 - to Cpl E.W.Simon 15Bn (No details of recommendation recorded).

Bar to MM: LG 17/4/1917, p3696; CAG 21/8/1917, p1784 - to Sgt E.W.Simon 15Bn.

Recommendation: Was noticed for his gallant behaviour on attack on enemy position during night of 1st/2nd February 1917 North East of Gueudecourt. He showed great courage in the bomb fighting that ensued after enemy position was captured. He was seriously wounded during the operation.

Commander-in-Chief's Congratulatory Card.

Recommendation 1/10/1917: For his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near Zonnebeke from 26th - 29th September 1917. The Battalion is most fortunate in possessing this officer and his work on this occasion had a great effect on the result we achieved. He is a brilliant tactician and behaved with admirable bravery and dash. He led the leading Platoon on our left flank and was placed there on account of our expecting strong opposition from the enemy. He dealt successfully with enemy strong points on his front taking many prisoners. He was noticed for his great work in the consolidation of the Blue Line and kept his men cheerful and confident throughout the operation. He has behaved with great gallantry on previous occasions.

Eric Wilson Simon, school teacher, age 18, born at Coomera, Qld; Enl.14Dec1914 at Brisbane, Qld and appt L/Sgt, with previous service as officer in Senior Cadets; Emb.13Feb1915; WIA 29May1915, Gallipoli; WIA 08Aug1915 GSW right thigh, Gallipoli; to Sgt 12Aug1915; WIA 06Aug1916 SW right shoulder, France; WIA 01Feb1917 GSW right thigh and upper arm and wrist, France; to 2Lt 03Jun1917; to Lt 16Sep1917; WIA 25Aug1918 gassed, France; RTA 20May1919; Appt terminated 21Jul1919; Died in an accident 14Jan1929.

After the war Eric Wilson Simon resumed his teaching career later becoming a scholarship teacher at Toowong State School in Brisbane, Queensland. The school committee placed on record their appreciation of his services in 1928 as Toowong State School students had won the prestigious Lilley Medal for two years in succession, namely 1927 and 1928. During the school holidays in January 1929 Mr Simon was holidaying at Tugun with friends and when he prepared to dive into the Currumbin Creek the sand on the sloping bank gave way throwing him into the water and his head hit a submerged sandbank and as a result he broke his neck and died shortly afterwards.

In April of the same year at the first meeting of the new committee of the Toowong State School a large photograph of the late scholarship teacher, former Lieutenant Eric Simon was unveiled. The inscription on the photo read - 'To the memory of Lieut. Eric Wilson Simon, M.M. with bar, whose work won the admiration of all concerned.' It was also decided that a medal in his honour, titled the Eric Simon Memorial Gold Medal, be instituted for awarding annually to the boy or girl obtaining the highest school pass in the scholarship examination. Eric Simon was not married but he was remembered fondly by his friends and fellow teachers.

Following the report of Eric Simon's death one member of the public wrote the following letter to The Brisbane Courier, published on Friday 18 January 1929. 'Sir,-It is with profound regret that I read in to-day's "Courier" of the death of Eric Simon I know nothing of him as a teacher and football coach, but as a soldier in the 15th Battalion I feel I could write a volume on his exploits could I be persuaded that my pen was worthy. Time was when Eric Simon's was a name to conjure with in the great days when the 15th Battalion began to make history. He was as well known in the 15th as Captain Quinn himself, and his deeds were the talk of the brigade. He was wounded no fewer than four times within the first few months on Gallipoli (see note below), and his gay courage was an inspiration to many less spirited soldiers. There were good and bad even in the 15th Battalion, but Simon was one of the best. He was no parade ground soldier being too intelligent, but as a brave fighter and a 'daredevil' he stood out even amongst brave men. There are two things I find it difficult to understand about Eric Simon. One is how he managed to come through the war alive and the other is how he came through without receiving the V.C. God rest him in peace. He was a true and manly man.'

Note: The letter writer states that Eric Simon was wounded four times on Gallipoli however his Service Record shows that in fact he was wounded twice on Gallipoli and three times in France.

With research including photos and 15 pages from Service File.