Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Singles

Lot 2696    SESSION 13 (11.30AM THURSDAY 23RD NOV)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Singles

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

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, (GVR in Field Marshall's uniform). 308 L.Cpl J.Fletcher. 9/Aust:Div: Impressed. Toned extremely fine.

DCM: LG 18/6/1917, p6014; CAG 4/10/1917, p2632, to 308 Lance Corporal James Fletcher, 9th Australian Infantry Battalion.
Recommendation: At Lagnicourt, France, on 15th April, 1917, L/Cpl. Fletcher during an attack by the enemy rendered valuable assistance to his platoon commander. His coolness and devotion to duty was most marked. During the counter attack he pushed forward with a party of men finally reaching our original front line. Although detached, he promptly consolidated his position and established communication with parties in the rear. He held this position under heavy artillery and machine gun fire until relieved. Throughout the whole operation he was an excellent example to all. By his energy and skill he was largely instrumental in capturing about 50 of the enemy.
James Fletcher, labourer, age 33, born at Oxley, Brisbane, Qld; Enl.20Aug1914 at Enoggera, Qld, with previous service in 10th Scottish Rifles; Emb.24Sep1914; to Gallipoli 02Mar1915; to hospital with enteric 20Aug1915; to France 08Jun1916; TOS 9Bn 29Jul1916; to L/Cpl ??; to T/Cpl 22Apr1917; awarded DCM 08May1917; to Cpl 13Aug1917; KIA 25Jun1918; Buried at Borre Military Cemetery, near Hazebrouck, France.
A report of the death of Cpl Fletcher by CQMS D.C.Fraser of 9Bn reads as follows:- Fletcher, Cpl of A. Co, was killed, but not outright, by Machine Gun bullet through the back which he received in front of Coy H.Q. near Strazeele Railway Station, which is to the right of Strazeele. He was taken to our Aid Post where I saw him. He spoke to those there - seemed cheery but the Doctor, Capt Grees, told me there was no hope of his recovery. He died at D/S at Borre and is buried at Borre Military Cemetery about 300 yards from the Church. A cross being erected. I saw his grave. He was very well liked and his wife has been written to.
With copy of Service File and other research.