Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Lot 3176    SESSION 13 (2.30PM THURSDAY 25TH MARCH)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Aust. Groups

Estimate $20,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $22,000

FAMILY GROUP TO THE WALKER BROTHERS INCLUDING AFC PILOT KIA.

BROTHER 1. Trio: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 884 S/Sjt J.M.Walker. 3/L.H.F.Amb. A.I.F. on first medal, Lieut. J.M.Walker. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Ribbons damaged, otherwise toned good very fine.

Together with a voided AFC winged sweetheart brooch (KC) in gold (9ct; 3.79g); the tip of a WWI aircraft timber propeller blade crafted into a photo frame with one circular and two oval holes fitted with uniformed photos of the three Walker brothers and at the base is a small brass propeller between cut-out rough textured sections with the following details carved in relief, 'A.F.C./RAMLEH/PALESTINE/1918', the brass stand fitting on the reverse is voided with large initials 'JW' and three small pierced stars, at the back of the top photo is written, 'History/The tip is cut from the broken/propeller of Bristol fighter No 1150 (Pilot:/Lt. Walker, Obs:Lt.Letch) which made a forced/landing 10 Mls. Nth. of Jerusalem. The Brass/work is cut from enemy F.G. Cartridge/cases expended during Gaza-/Jerusalem operations.'

John Mercer Walker, chemist, age 26, born at Ballarat, Vic; Enl.01Sep1914 at Broadmeadows, Vic; Emb.02Feb1915; to join MEF at Gallipoli; to S/Sgt 01Oct1914; Att'd to School of Instruction RFC 06Aug1917; to No.3 School of Military Aeronautics RFC at Abbassia 18Aug1917; Att'd to 21 Reserve Sqdn 14Sep1917 as S/Sgt; to 2/Lieut 20Nov1917; to 40th Wing 26Jan1918; to Palestine Bde 40th Wing 17Feb1918; to Lieut 20Feb1918; KIA 22Aug1918; Buried at Ramleh Military Cemetery, Palestine.

According to the Official History, it was on 22 August 1918 that Walker's luck ran out when he was killed in action during a fighting battle over Ramleh. 'But the fight was marred by the loss of Walker and Letch who were patrolling with Brown. The enemy crossed the lines at great height, and the Australians climbed to cut him off. The whole squadron saw the fight from the aerodrome floor. The L.V.G. turned for home and Walker took the grave risk of attacking from above and behind in full sight of the German's rear gun. In just a few seconds Walker's machine was seen to fall and burst into flames. The L.V.G. was then forced down by Brown and Finlay to a heavy landing where it was found to have it's machine gun belts loaded with incendiary bullets.' Statement by Sgt. C.G.Thomas, 'Out on patrol work over Ramleh Ludd, Palestine. Walker killed the observer in the Hun machine and Fritz pilot brought his machine down in British Aerodrome. While Walker was still pursuing the Hun plane the Hun pilot fired explosive bullet at Walker's machine bringing it down in flames. Walker jumped from his machine and his body was buried at Ramleh.'

Brother 2. Group of Eight: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19 with MID; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal. Captain. S.Walker. 14/A.S.C. A.I.F. on first medal, Capt. S.Walker. A.I.F. on second medal, Captain. S.Walker A.I.F. on third medal, V80069 S.Walker on fourth and fifth medals, sixth and seventh medals unnamed as issued, Captn. S.Walker, 8th Battln. on last medal. The last medal engraved, all other named medals impressed. The ribbons damaged, some contact marks, otherwise toned very fine - good very fine.

MID (1): 13/7/1916, p6955; CAG 30/11/1916, p3234, to Captain Stanley Walker AASC.

Recommendation: For his exceptionally good work as officer-in-charge of water supply, 2nd Aust. Division from 30/10/15 to 18/12/15. He was indefatigable in his attention to duty and on several occasions during a shortage of water he worked continuously for 24 hours. The value of this officer's services in conveying water to the troops of the division and controlling its issue cannot be over-estimated.

MID (2): LG 28/12/1917, p13568; CAG 18/4/1918, p844, to Captain Stanley Walker 17Aust ASC Coy.

Recommendation: Exceptionally good services and consistent devotion to duty, while in command of 17th Coy. A.A.S.C., from 26th February to 20th September 1917.

CAFLSM: CAG No.19 24/2/1927, p399 - to Capt. S.Walker, 8th Btn, 3rd MD.

Coronation Medal 1937: Award confirmed to Stanley Walker, Vice-President, RSSILA Victoria.

Coronation Medal 1953: Award confirmed to Stanley Walker, Public Servant, Canberra.

Stanley Walker, salesman, age 25, born at Ballarat, Vic; applied for a commission in AIF and appt'd Lieutenant 26Mar1915; to Captain 22Apr1915; Emb.26May1915; to Gallipoli and then MID for services rendered to MEF; to France 21Aug1916; MID for distinguished and gallant services 'In the Field' 26Feb-20Sep1917 in France; Officer Commanding 17 Coy AASC 28Jul1918; RTA 29May1919; Disemb. 22Jul1919; AIF appt terminated 20Sep1919; to AASC (new organisation) 31Mar1921; to 8Bn and then seconded and appt'd Staff captain 6 Infy Bde 27Jul1926; relinquished appt as staff Captain 26Jul1932; Trf to Reserve of Officers 27Jul1932; WWII: Enl.26Sep1939 (V80069); to 3 Garrison Bn 09Oct1939; to Labour Coy 09Mar1942 then to 4 Aust Employment Coy; Temp Major 20 Apr1944; to Major 04May1944; to Retired List and Hon Lt-Col 31Jul1945; Died 14Nov1970.

Brother 3. Pair: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. Lieut. H.J.Walker. A.I.F. Both medals impressed. The ribbons damaged, heavily toned, otherwise very fine - good very fine.

Harold James Walker, chemist's apprentice, age 21, born at Ballarat, Vic; Enl.19Jun1916 at Ballarat, Vic, with 8 weeks prior service in AIF; to L/Cpl 07Jul1916; Emb.25Sep1916 as Private; to France 15Mar1917; to L/Cpl 30Mar1917; WIA 07Jun1917 GSW right thigh, France; to No.6 Officers Cadet Bn and appt'd Cadet 09Nov1917; qualified for commission 30Apr1918; appt'd EDP Sgt 10May1918; appt'd 2Lieut 01Jun1918; to Lieut 01Oct1918; RTA 28Feb1919; Disemb.13Apr1919; to Reserve of Officers 01Jul1920; to Retired List 20Feb1926; Removed from retired List 10Nov1926.

With research.