Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 Western Front ‘Stretcher Bearer’s’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private A. Falconer, 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2334 Pte A. Falconer. 52/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (2334 Pte. A. Falconer. 12/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2334 Pte A. Falconer. 12 Bn. A.I.F.) minor edge bruising to first, otherwise good very fine or better (4) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry as a stretcher bearer during the operations 26/27 September 1917. He attended wounded frequently under heavy fire. He was placed in charge of a bearer relay post between Battalion Headquarters in the line and the regimental Aid Post, and displayed resource in getting wounded men through without delay.’

A. Falconer was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1882. A Miner by occupation, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in South Australia, 7 April 1915. Drafted to the 12th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F., he served with them in Gallipoli, before being transferred to the 52nd Battalion, 13th Brigade for service in France. He disembarked in Marseilles 12 June 1916, and continued to serve with the Battalion until his final transfer to the 50th Battalion in May 1918. During his service he was wounded in action, in both the arm and head.

Falconer was discharged in Australia in July 1919, and died at The Mental Hospital, Callon Park, New South Wales, in May 1952.