Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Lot 3164    SESSION 13 (2.30PM THURSDAY 25TH MARCH)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Estimate $1,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,500

TRIO TO LIGHT HORSE: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 346 Pte L.McKinnon. 5/L.H.Rgt. A.I.F. on first medal, 346 Cpl L.McKinnon. 5 L.H.Rgt. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. First ribbon damaged, otherwise toned good very fine.

Together with hand engraved tribute fob in gold (9ct; 7.61g; 26x34mm), by FW&Co, ring top suspension, obverse inscribed, 'LMcK', reverse inscribed, 'Ores to/Corp L.McKinnon./from the/Coraki Girls/Patriotic League/21.3.19.'.

Lachlan McKinnon, labourer, age 32, born at Coraki, NSW; Enl.22Oct1914 at Coraki, NSW, in 5LHR, with previous service in 5LHR 21Oct1903 to 21Nov1905, resigned; Emb.20Dec1914; to MEF Gallipoli 16May1915; to temp Cpl 18Nov1915; to Cpl 17Dec1915; RTA 15Nov1918 for 1914 Anzac Leave; Disch.26Feb1919.

A news report on the presentation of tribute medals was in The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser, NSW on Tuesday 25 March 1919, page 4 and in part it stated as follows.

'The Coraki Girls' League welcome home social attracted a remarkably large gathering to the Bridge Street Hall on Friday night, every centre for miles around being represented. During a break in proceedings, the guests were taken to the platform, accompanied by a number of patriotic workers, Ald. L. F. Benaud (Mayor) presiding.

The Mayor, in tendering the boys an official welcome on behalf of the citizens, said everyone knew what these men, in common with the rest of the A.I.F. had done, and that the deeds they had accomplished would live for all time. They did not want to take particular credit for Australia's share in the overthrow of militarism that would be wrong. But, in conjunction with the other Allied forces, they had put up a magnificent record, and helped to achieve a victory that would give peace not only for the rest of our days, but, he hoped, for generations to come. There was one thing we who lived now would never see another war of this magnitude. For that they had to thank, amongst others, the men now on the platform.

Those to be welcomed at this gathering were Pte. Hill (an Anzac), Corporal L. McKinnon (another Anzac), Gunner J. Keynes, Sergt. F. Flaherty (Anzac), Machine Gunner S. C. Pearson, Warrant-Officer R. Somers (Anzac), Sergeant T. H. Ellem, Farrier-Sergt. J. Cameron (who was unavoidably absent), Pte. Earle McPherson, and Lance-Corpl. H. W. Patch (Anzac), while Tr. Fairhall and Sergt-Major Dickson were also present. Eight of the returned men were then presented with gold medals, which were pinned on their breasts by members of the Girls' Patriotic League.'