Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War 1918 ‘Battle of Amiens’ D.C.M., 1917 ‘Bullecourt’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant E. V. Hockey, 3rd Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force, who had served in Gallipoli with the 10th Australian Infantry Battalion and developed into a master exponent of the Stokes mortar on the Western Front

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (778 Sjt. E. V. Hockey. M.M. 3/Aust: L. T. M. By.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (778 Cpl. E. V. Hockey. 3/L. T. M. By: Aust: F.A.); 1914-15 Star (778 Pte. E. V. Hockey. 10/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (778 Sjt. E. V. Hockey. 10/Bn. A.I.F.), mounted for display, sold with a ‘bullet’ brooch and an identity disk, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine or better (5) £3,000-£4,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty north-west of Lihons from 10th to 18th August 1918. Sgt. Hockey as N.C.O. in charge of two Stokes Mortars showed initiative and judgement in the handling of his guns. Previous to our attack on Crepey Wood, he personally, under very heavy enemy machine gun and artillery fire, established a forward ammunition dump in one of our outposts, which later on in the attack proved a very valuable asset to our infantry, during the enemy's counter-attack on Crepey Wood. He pushed his guns forward with the advancing waves, and in an exposed position swept by heavy machine gun fire, brought his guns into position, and in spite of the heavy fire kept his guns in action and did excellent work knocking out enemy machine guns and covering the advance of our infantry. When the enemy attacked Crepey Wood he showed excellent judgement by firing on the enemy's flank, causing heavy casualties and driving the enemy out of the wood into the zone of our Lewis and Vickers machine gun fire. A large party of the enemy out of range of his mortars, were seen moving forward to attack our left flank company. Sgt. Hockey immediately took his guns and collecting a few men to carry ammunition went forward and with great determination, coolness and excellent judgement, he brought his guns into action, causing severe casualties to the enemy and repelling the attack. He then brought back his guns and personnel to the previous position with one casualty. Later in the operations the left flank company tried to push forward but were held up by intense machine gun fire. At great personal risk under heavy machine gun fire he took his guns over the top and went to assist the company. He brought his guns into action with great judgement, knocking out the machine gun which held up the company and covering the advance of the company until the ground gained was consolidated. The advance of the company was due to his determination, coolness and judgement.’

M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:

‘At Bullecourt, France, on 6th May 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a strong counter-attack made by the enemy on the Brigade Sector of the Hindenburg Line on May 6th. Corporal Hockey was in charge of a Stokes Mortar in a Communication Trench between O.G.I and O.G.2, when the enemy advanced down the Communication Trench in which the Mortar was placed.

He fought his gun with great courage and determination; a party of enemy bombers leaving the Communication Trench tried to get the gun from the flank. He then formed part of his crew into a bombing party and, temporarily checking the enemy, ordered his gun back to reserve.

Corporal Hockey set a fine example throughout and by his coolness and presence of mind saved his gun and crew.’

Emanuel Victor Hockey was born in Dunolly, Victoria, in 1891. A miner by occupation, Hockey enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 29 August 1914. He served with the 10th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli.

Hockey transferred to the 3rd Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery in May 1916, and served with them as part of the 3rd Australian Infantry Brigade, 1st Australian Division in the French theatre of war. He advanced to Corporal in October 1916, and to Sergeant in June 1917.

Hockey returned to Australia in October 1918, and was discharged 31 March 1919. He died of Tuberculosis in February 1921.