Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Corporal B. W. Powe, 30th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for the capture of Foucauourt, 26/27 August 1918, during which he was wounded in action

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2427 Cpl. B. W. Powe. 30/Aust: Inf:) British War and Victory Medals (2427 Cpl. B. W. Powe. 30 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, BWM with official corrections, good very fine (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. The original recommendations states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations of 26th and 27th August 1918, which resulted in the capture of Foucauourt.

This man belonged to a Platoon of the left attacking company and when his Platoon Commander became a casualty, shortly before reaching the final objective, he displayed great initiative and rendered every assistance to his Platoon Commander by taking charge of the men near him. Shortly afterwards Private Powe was wounded, but would not leave his Platoon until he had re-organised his men and consolidated on the objective.

He set a fine example of devotion to duty to all members of his Platoon and when carried away was suffering severely from the affects of his wound.’

Bertram William Powe was born in Paddington, Sydney, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Newcastle, 4 September 1915. Initially part of the 4th Reinforcements, Powe served with the 30th Australian Infantry Battalion, as part of the 8th Australian Infantry Brigade, 5 Australian Division in the French theatre of war from August 1916.

Powe advanced to Lance-Corporal in October 1917, and returned to Australia in H.T. Durham, 21 July 1919. He was discharged 13 September 1919, and died in June 1955.