Australian Groups

Lot 1513    SESSION 6 (9.30AM TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST)    Australian Groups

Estimate $7,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $5,500

DCM GROUP OF FOUR: Distinguished Conduct Medal (GVR type 1); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 508 Sjt: J.W.Boal 23/Aust:Inf: on first medal, 508 Pte J.W.Boal. 23/Bn A.I.F. on second medal, 508 Cpl. J.W.Boal. 23 Bn. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Toned, good very fine.

Together with gold fobs (weight and carat unknown as secured to a display board), the first a departure fob inscribed on obverse, 'JWB' and on the reverse, 'Presented/To/Private J.W.Boal/No 508/From Friends/at Kotupna/27.4.15'; the other a returned fob inscribed on reverse, 'The Great War/To/Sgt. J.Boal D.C.M./From the residents/Of/Kotupna/for services rendered/17.3.19'.

DCM: LG 22/9/1916, p9305; CAG 14/12/1916, p3383, to 508 Sergeant John Whittaker Boal, 23 Aust Infy Bn.

Recommendation: During the raid of 29th June, this N.C.O. distinguished himself in charge of a Bombing Party by his coolness and skill during the attack on the enemy communication trenches as well as during the retirement. The success on the right flank was in no small measure due to the soldierly example set by this N.C.O., in breaking down the determined resistance offered by the enemy.

Also mentioned in the book, 'Forward Undeterred' Unit History of 23rd Bn by Ron Austin, p70.

John Whittaker Boal, labourer, age 24, born at Echuca, Vic; Enl.23Feb1915 at, Nathalia, Vic in 23Bn; Emb.08May1915; to join MEF Gallipoli 30Aug1915; to Cpl 25Apr1916; WIA 28Jul1916, GSW left foot, France; raid on enemy trenches night of 29Jun1916; awarded DCM 22Sep1916; RTA 11Dec1918; Disch.24Mar1919.

With research including copy of Service File.