Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Corporal R. E. Street, 5th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (3262 Bmbr: R. E. Street. Z.5/A. Aust: M.T.M.By:) minor edge nicks, good very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 26 April 1919. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Corporal F. Parsons) states:

‘While a party was engaged in preparing Medium Trench Mortar emplacements in the front line on 29th January 1917, the enemy began to heavily shell the trenches. Three of the party were killed and two were wounded. One of the wounded was badly hit and his life depended on him being got to an Aid Post as soon as possible. These two N.C.Os procured a stretcher and with great difficulty, and under heavy shell fire, succeeded in getting the wounded man back. Their coolness and courage under difficult circumstances served as a splendid example, and certainly inspired confidence in the remaining members of the Battery.’

Raymond Edward Street was born in Greenvale, Victoria, Australia, in 1895. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1915. Street served in the 21st and 59th Australian Infantry Battalions in quick succession before ultimately transferring to the 5th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery. He served with the latter in the French theatre of war from June 1916, and advanced to Corporal in October of the same year.

Street was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in the Ypres sector, 29 January 1917. He returned to Australia in April 1919, and was discharged, 4 June 1919.