Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Private G. Webster, 5th Australian Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry as a runner in and around Corbie, often over large distances and under gas attack

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1812. A. Pte. G. Webster. 5 Pnr Bn A.I.F. (Replacement)) a later official replacement, partially officially corrected, edge bruising, very fine £300-400

M.M. London Gazette 29 August 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘On 23rd April 1918, Private Webster was stationed at Corbie as a runner for parties guarding bridges across the River Somme to front line. At 6.30 p.m. he carried a message from Corbie to Pouilloy through a heavy barrage of shrapnel and yellow cross gas. He also returned as guide for rations on the return journey through similar conditions.

Again at 1 p.m. on 24th April, he carried another message at Pouilloy and then on to Bussy, a distance over four miles. This message was delivered, although Private Webster had to pass through villages that were being heavily shelled with gas and..., Private Webster, displayed the greatest courage and fearlessness throughout.’

Gus Webster was born in Port Melborne, Victoria, Australia, in May 1898. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 16 July 1915, and was posted to join the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion Reinforcements at Gallipoli. He served with the 24th Australian Infantry Battalion, prior to his transfer to the 5th Pioneer Battalion in May 1916. He served with the latter as part of the 5th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from July 1916.

Webster was awarded his M.M. for gallantry as a runner on the Somme, 23-24 April 1918. He embarked for Australia on the S.S. Warwickshire, 28 May 1919, and was discharged 27 July 1919. Webster re-engaged for service with the 12th Pioneer Battalion, A.I.F. in 1940, and was discharged ‘medically unfit’, 26 September 1940.