Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. pair awarded to Corporal H. E. Skidmore, Australian Provost Corps, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (3295 Cpl H. E. Skidmore. Aust: Provost C.); British War Medal 1914-20 (3295 ER-Cpl H. E. Skidmore. 17 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, nearly extremely fine, scarce to unit (2) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O.'s work during the period 27th March 1918 to 10th September 1918 has been of the highest order. During the Dernancourt operations from 27th March 1918 to 6th April 1918 he displayed admirable courage and great devotion to duty under shell fire. During the operations which commenced on August 8th he has shown marked ability in controlling traffic under trying circumstances, where roads were being heavily shelled. On two occasions this N.C.O. has taken post in a village being heavily shelled and diverted all traffic around the same, thereby enabling transportation of ammunition and supplies to be carried forward safely, without delay, and possibly saving the lives of his comrades. Period covered 25th February to 16th September 1918.’

Herbert Edgar Skidmore was born in Northumberland, England, and was employed as a ticket collector on the State Railways prior to the Great War. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Sydney, 14 October 1915, and was initially posted to 17th Australian Infantry Battalion. Having arrived in Egypt, Skidmore was transferred to the 55th Battalion in February 1916. He served in the French theatre of war from June 1916, and transferred to the Australian Provost Corps in September of the same year.

Skidmore was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry whilst attached to the 4th Australian Division during operations at Dernacourt, Somme, March - September 1918. Having advanced to Corporal, Skidmore returned to Australia in June 1920, and was discharged in September of the same year.