Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Private G. Jarrett, 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for repeated acts of gallantry whilst employed as a Company Runner and linesman during operations on the Somme, 22 August - 2 October 1918. He received a gunshot wound to the thigh, 12 October 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (99 Pte. G. Jarrett. 33/Aust: Inf:) edge bruising, nearly very fine £600-£700

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during operations 22nd August to 2nd October, 1918. Pte Jarrett acted as a Company Runner during operations 29th September to 2nd October, 1918. He displayed the greatest courage, indefatigable energy and marked cheerfulness. He worked during the whole period practically without rest, and carried all messages with the greatest despatch. On the night October 1/2nd he went forward with a message 800 yards to an advanced patrol. In addition to carrying the majority of his Company's messages he located the flank units during each of the four stages of our operation. This man acted as a linesman in the action near Bray-sur-Somme on August 22nd. Six times under exceptional machine gun and artillery fire he mended the lines and communication with Battalion Headquarters was re-established during a very critical period of the operations. By his great gallantry, his cheerful and ready acceptance of any task and his devotion to duty, Pte. Jarrett has been a splendid example to his Company.’

George Jarrett was born in Bellingen, New South Wales, in April 1895,and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 2 February 1916. He served with the 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 9th Australian Brigade, 3rd Australian Division in the French theatre of war from November 1916.

Jarrett received a gunshot wound to the left thigh at Abbeville, 12 October 1917. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry as a Company Runner and linesman during operations on the Somme, 22 August - 2 October 1918. He returned to Australia in the S.S. Borda, 11 May 1919, and was discharged 12 August 1919.