A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal J. C. Coldicott, 42nd Battery, 11th Brigade Australian Field Artillery, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4608 Cpl. J. C. Coldicott. 42/By: 11/Bde: Aust: F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (4808 Cpl. J. C. Coldicott 9 Bn. A.I.F.) good very fine (3) £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on our positions opposite Dernacourt and Albert on April 5th 1918. When the heavy shelling in the vicinity of the Battery cut all telephone wires he and two others went out without hesitation and succeeded in keeping the most urgent line in repair all the time. By his constant work on lines and disregard of danger under heavy and continued shell fire throughout the day, he rendered valuable service and enabled his Battery Commander to keep in communication and receive urgent tactical messages without delay.’

J. C. Coldicott was born in London, in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Brisbane on 23 September 1915, and was posted to the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion. He embarked for France in H.M.A.T. Wandilla, 31 January 1916, before transferring to the 42nd Battery, 11th Brigade Australian Field Artillery, in April 1916.

Coldicott served with the 42nd Battery on the Somme, and was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations in and around Dernacourt and Albert, 5 April 1918. The Battery (including Coldicott) was awarded 4 M.M.s for the action, and Coldicott was presented with the riband for his award by General Sir W. R. Birdwood on 9 June 1918. He transferred to the 4th Divisional Signals School in July 1918, and returned to Australia in June the following year. Coldicott was discharged 4 August 1919.