Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. pair awarded to Private W. H. Gifford, 49th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (5105 Pte. W. H. Gifford. 49/Aust: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (5105 Pte. W. H. Gifford. 49-Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, cleaned, very fine (2) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916. The original recommendation (jointly listed with 5118 Pte. D. J. Joll) states:

‘During [a] lull in the fighting of the 3rd these men attended to the wounded and carried them to a place of safety. When the 52nd Battalion were shelled from the line these men went to the left and assisted to hold the left flank. Their work throughout was such that I beg to recommend them for distinction.’

William Henry Gifford was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1875. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Townsville, Queensland, 27 December 1915, aged 40. He served with the 49th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Gifford was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in action during the operations round Mouquet Farm, Somme, 3 - 5 September 1916. He was involved in a shooting accident in Queensland a few years prior to the war, which led to one of his hips being shattered. This old injury was aggravated and Gifford was admitted to hospital, 28 October 1916. He returned to Australia, 12 May 1917, and was subsequently discharged unfit for active and home service.