Auction Catalogue

26 & 27 September 2018

Starting at 11:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 83

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26 September 2018

Hammer Price:
£600

A Great War 1917 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant A. H. Hardy, 55th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who distinguished himself as a Lewis Gunner during the attack on Doignes, 2 April 1917, despite suffering from wounds to the chest and face. He was wounded in action a second time, 2 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (3078 L. Cpl. A. H. Hardy. 55/Aust: Inf:) minor edge bruising, very fine £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 25 May 1917. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:

‘At the attack on Doignes on 2nd April 1917, L/Cpl. Hardy, whilst in charge of a Lewis gun, showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst under intense rifle and machine gun fire. He silenced enemy snipers, to the great advantage of our advance. Although twice wounded, he still worked his gun, thus enabling a small party to consolidate a position. He showed great coolness even when enemy artillery were shelling our position, and did not leave until the position was consolidated to combat any counter-attack. His conduct was most exemplary.’

Arthur Henry Hardy was born in Braidwood, New South Wales, in 1893, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 12 August 1915. He served with the 55th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 14th Australian Brigade, 5th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Hardy was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry as a Lewis Gunner during the attack on Doignes, 2 April 1917. On the latter date he was also wounded in the chest and face. The Battalion suffered 7 officers and 138 other ranks wounded, and 34 other ranks killed during the action. Hardy advanced to Sergeant in June 1918, before being wounded in action again, 2 September 1918. He returned to Australia in H.M.A.T.
Demosthenes, 16 January 1919.