A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant J. G. McDonald, 4th Australian Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in single-handedly capturing an enemy machine-gun and crew. He was also wounded in action on two separate occasions during the Great War, including during the Gallipoli campaign

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2177 Cpl J. G. McDonald. 4/Aust: M.G.C.) very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For bravery and coolness under fire during the Hamel offensive. This N.C.O. was in charge of a M.G. for the new support line. On reaching his objective he saw an enemy M.G. and crew that had been passed by our moppers up coming into action in rear of our infantry. He immediately turned his gun onto the enemy’s and under cover of its fire rushed and captured the gun and crew single-handed.

Corporal McDonald by his prompt bravery and initiative saved a very serious situation.’

James Gordon McDonald was born in Grafton, New South Wales, Australia in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 13 March 1915. McDonald served with the 15th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli from July 1915, and was wounded in action 8 August 1915 - leading to amputation of a finger. He was evacuated to Egypt in November 1915, and subsequently served in the French theatre of war from 8 June 1916. McDonald was wounded in action for a second time, 10 August 1916.

McDonald transferred to the 4th Australian Machine Gun Company in January 1917. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry whilst serving as part of the Hamel offensive on the Somme in 1918. McDonald advanced to Sergeant, returned to Australia in May 1919, and was discharged 21 July 1919. He died in March 1968.