Australian Groups

Lot 2485    SESSION 17 (11.30AM FRIDAY 25TH NOV)    Australian Groups

Estimate $4,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $4,200

MC GROUP OF FOUR TO WIA: Military Cross (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. Capt W.S.Bone 13th Bn A.I.F. on first medal, 584 Pte W.S.Bone. 1/A.N.&M.E.F. on second medal, Captain W.S.Bone. 1 A.N.&M.E.F. on last two medals. First medal engraved, other medals impressed. Swing mounted but out of order and mounted on a display card, very fine.

Together with a miniature Military Cross; Returned from Active service (AIF) badge; WWI 13Bn colour patch sealed under perspex in brass case this with a small Rising Sun badge at top edge and with ring top suspension with pin, below is hanging a WWII 13Bn enamel colour patch; Limbless Soldier Association NSW badge (KC) in gold and enamel (15ct; 8.38g), by W.Kerr, reverse inscribed, 'W.S.Bone/Life Member'; Limbless S & S Auxiliary Anzac Buffet enamel badge.

MC: LG 26/3/1917, p2986; CAG 21/8/1917, p1782, to Lieutenant William Stanley Bone, 13 Aust Infy Bn.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his company in the attack with great courage and initiative. Later he personally supervised the consolidation of the position, and was indefatigable in his efforts throughout.

Recommendation: Lieut. Bone commanded the left Company of the 13th Battalion in the attack on Stormy Trench N.E. of Gueudecourt on night 4/5th February 17. As soon as the first shot of the opening barrage was fired he jumped over the top and led his men straight to their objective. He was the life of his Company, and set a wonderful example by fearlessly exposing himself to every danger. He was everywhere in his line, supervising the defence, the erection of a bomb stop, wiring, positions of machine guns, etc., and sent me a constant flow of cool, clear, concise and informative messages. He did not have any sleep in the most critical period - the first 48 hours. When the left was counter-attacked he rushed up to the spot with reinforcements and bomb carriers, and saw to every detail of the fight. He is a model Company Commander and I recommend him most highly for distinction.

It was at this battle at Stormy Trench that Australia's most decorated soldier (Private rising to rank of Lt-Colonel) Henry William 'Harry' Murray VC, CMG, DSO & Bar, DCM, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

William Stanley Bone, systems salesman, age 26, born at Aramoho, Wanganui, New Zealand; Enl.12Aug1914 at Sydney, with previous service in NZ Cadets; Emb.19Aug1914; Disch.04Mar1915; Enl.23Aug1915 in AIF and now recorded as an accountant (Fellow of Accountant Institute New Zealand); Emb.03Mar1916 for Middle East; to France and TOS 13Bn 08Jul1916; to Lieut 19Aug1916; to Capt 22Feb1917; to hospital with diphtheria 20Apr1917; to France 10Aug1917; WIA 30Apr1918 GSW to both ankles, amputated both feet; granted leave to study in UK 01Dec1919 to 16Dec1919; RTA 07Feb1920; Appt Terminated 03Oct1920; William Stanley Bone died on 1 October 1941 at a private hospital in Sydney, NSW.

With copy of Service File, a photo and other research.