Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Zonnebeke operations’ M.M. awarded to Private G. Radnell, 14th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action on three separate occasions in 1916, 1917 and 1918, with the last one proving fatal. Radnell died of wounds to his face and legs, 1 June 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1734 Pte. G. Radnell. 14/Aust: Inf:) good very fine £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 14 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘During the operations near Zonnebeke on the 26th September 1917, Pte. Radnell displayed great courage and initiative by getting together a party of seven men and rushing the enemy post in which were 10 Germans, killing four and taking the remainder prisoners.’

George Duncan Radnell was born in Taruagulla, Victoria, Australia, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 19 January 1915. He was posted with the 4th Reinforcement Battalion, and subsequently served with the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli, from 26 May 1915.

Radnell was evacuated to Egypt, and served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from June 1916. He received a gunshot wound to the chest, 3 September 1916, and suffered another gunshot wound, this time to the left arm, 26 September 1917. The latter occurring when Radnell distinguished himself during the operations near Zonnebeke. The Battalion suffered casualties of 1 officer killed and 2 wounded, and 22 other ranks killed and 98 wounded during the action.

Radnell was fatally wounded when he received gunshot wounds to the face and legs, 1 June 1918. He died the same day, and is buried in the Vignacourt British Cemetery, Somme France.