Other Properties - Australian Groups

Lot 4044    SESSION 10 (9.30AM FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER)    Other Properties - Australian Groups

Estimate $2,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $3,600

GROUP OF FOUR: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19; Romanian Croix de Virtute Militaria 2nd Class. 8419 Dvr. W.Smith 8/F.A. Bde A.I.F. on first medal, 8419 A-Bdr. W.Smith. 6 F.A.B., A.I.F. on second and third medals, last medal unnamed as issued. The named medals impressed. The medals swing mounted and then display mounted on cardboard sheet with details of recipient and his award with the recommendation, the last medal with most gilt coating missing and some oxidation bubbles, otherwise fine - very fine and a rare combination.

Together with three badges of Laura I. Smith (later Laura Ball), sister of William Smith - includes Australasian Trained Nurses Assocn; R.N, Nurses Board, South Australia; Country Womens Assocn, South Aust.

Romanian Croix de Virtue Militaria 2nd Class: LG 20/9/1919, p11752; CAG 29/1/1920, p86.

Recommendation by Major V.Moates, Lt.Col. 6th Army Bde, A.F.A: This N.C.O. was an original member of this Battery and has never been away from it. Throughout his service he has done excellent work, and exhibited great willingness and devotion to duty.

On the 7th August 1918 when packing ammunition to a forward position in Villers Bretonneaux he displayed great pluck and determination throughout the night under constant hostile artillery and machine gun fire. His coolness and disregard of danger being very noticeable. On the night of October 8th 1918 at Ramicourt when taking up ammunition to the guns, the column came under severe hostile bombing, causing casualties and confusion. This N.C.O. showed coolness and great courage and rendered material assistance to the Officer in charge in restoring the position.

At St. Souplet on October 17th 1918 he showed great energy and determination in getting his gun forward under heavy hostile fire in a fog when his battery had to advance during a barrage. His high minded sense of duty and bravery have been very praiseworthy.

There were only 6 awards of the Romanian Croix de Virtue Militaria to the AIF in WWI and William Smith's award is only one of two with a recorded recommendation.

William Smith, farmer, age 20, born at Smithfield, Sth Aust; Enl.10Aug1915 at Adelaide, Sth Aust while in his third year serving with 23LHR and with his mother's consent as he was under 21; Emb.22Nov1915; to join MEF 21Dec1915; to A/Bdr 31Dec1918; RTA 06May1919; Disch.06Aug1919; Died 08Apr1974.

Together with research including Service File.