Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Mont de Merris operations’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private J. A. Hubble, 11th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a veteran of Gallipoli, he was also wounded in action at Lihons, 10 August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1960 Pte. J. A. Hubble. 11/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (1960 Pte. J. A. Hubble 11/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (1960 Pte. J. A. Hubble. 11/Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (4) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘In the operations against the enemy position at Mont de Merris near St. Razeele on night 2nd/3rd June 1918, Private Hubble displayed conspicuous bravery. Shortly after reaching the first objective he located a party of the enemy firing on and bombing our troops. Regardless of danger he rushed forward into our own barrage and killed one of the enemy causing the remainder to take cover and remain there. Later when our men advanced this party surrendered without resistance.’

John Alfred Hubble was born in York, Western Australia, in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 23 January 1915. Hubble served with the 11th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli from June 1915, and was evacuated ill with influenza to Malta in September 1915. He was further evacuated to Australia, before rejoining his unit in the French theatre of war from December 1916.

Hubble was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during operations at Mont de Merris, Ypres, 2/3 June 1918. The attack was considered a success, Fremantle to France - 11th Battalion, A.I.F., 1914-1919, by I. Gill gives the following:

‘The attack goes well with all objectives being secured. Five officers and 253 other ranks are captured along with one 77mm field gun, one heavy machine gun, thirteen light minenwerfers, five grenade throwers and twenty six machine guns. The attack is considered a success with a well planned and executed operation under the command of Colonel Newman. 11th Battalion casualties are over ninety, with sixteen killed and died of wounds in action.’

Hubble received a gun shot wound to his left arm whilst in action at Lihons, 10 August 1918. He was evacuated to the UK, and returned to Australia, 12 December 1918. Hubble was discharged in January 1919.