Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Hindenburg Line 1918 operations M.M. group of five awarded to Private J. G. Morgan, 30th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who displayed conspicuous gallantry in carrying out his duties as a Battalion Runner

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4079 Pte. J. G. Morgan, 30/Aust Inf.); British War and Victory Medals (4079 Pte. J. G. Morgan, 30 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45, officially re-impressed ‘32215 J. J. Morgan’; Australian Service Medal 1939-45, officially impressed, ‘32215 J. J. Morgan’, note differing initials, the earlier awards a little polished, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (5) £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. The original - joint - recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 4 April 1918 to 3 October 1918. All these men have acted as runners with the Battalion during every tour of duty the Battalion has performed in the line. On every occasion, they have shown a high sense of duty and although called on many times to carry out important despatches under heavy fire and adverse conditions, they never once failed to accomplish their mission. Since the first advance on 8 August, they have displayed untiring energy and a cheerfulness which was remarkable considering the great amount of work they were called on to perform owing to the continual advancement of the line. At various times they have been called on to act as guides to assembly areas and although often in strange country, they invariably led the units to the correct spot on time. The splendid spirit and high sense of duty continuously displayed by all four men throughout the whole period is deserving of special recognition.’

Joseph George Morgan was born in Sydney in 1898, where he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in May 1916. Drafted to the 30th Battalion, he arrived in France in March 1917 where, as cited, he served with distinction as a Battalion Runner. He was also recommended - without success - for a “mention” in September 1918 and the Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.), the citation for the latter distinction citing his gallantry on the Hindenburg Line:

‘This man has carried out the duties of Battalion Runner with conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 16-17 September 1918 ... During the attack on the Hindenburg Line in September, he displayed great gallantry and a determination to succeed under most adverse conditions. He repeatedly carried important messages through enemy barrages and rendered very valuable services in acting as a guide to a company of the battalion which was called on to take part in an operation at very short notice. The splendid spirit and courage of this man at all times is deserving of special mention.’

Morgan was in Australia in June 1919; sold with copied service record and M.M. recommendation.