A Great War 1918 Somme ‘bridging operations’ M.M. pair awarded to Sapper H. J. Bryant, 15th Field Company, Australian Engineers, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2763 Spr. H. J. Bryant. Aust: E.) edge bruise; British War Medal 1914-20 (2763 Spr. H. J. Bryant. 15 - F. C. E. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, lacquered, otherwise good very fine (2) £600-700

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry and devotion to duty. In the neighbourhood of Peronne, during the operations of August 29th, 30th, 31st, September, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th this Sapper has set a wonderful example to his comrades.

At Happlincourt, south of Peronne, on August 29th/30th he guided wagons and supervised assemblage of cork-float material for footbridges.

During the bridging operation of 30th/31st August, September 1st and 2nd, this Sapper each time stationed himself at the head of the advancing footbridge, 300 to 400 yards ahead of Infantry, and, coolly working under machine gun fire, set an inspiring example to the remainder of the men.

Throughout the operations, lasting a week, this Sapper worked with untiring zeal and energy.’

Harold Joseph Bryant was born in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, in 1889. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Sydney, 27 September 1916. Bryant was originally listed on the strength of the 8/1st Pioneer Battalion, Australian Engineers, and embarked for the UK in November 1916. He transferred to the 15th Field Company Australian Engineers, and served with the unit in the French theatre of war from October 1917.

Bryant was awarded his M.M. for service with the 15th Field Company, Australian Engineers, as part of the 5th Australian Division, during operations on the Somme, August - September 1918. During the latter months his unit was heavily engaged in erecting bridges over the River Somme and the surrounding swamp like area. Bryant’s M.M. was 1 of 10 awarded to the unit for these operations.

Bryant returned to Australia in S.S Port Melbourne, 20 August 1919, and was discharged 31 January 1920.