Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Polygon Wood - Ypres operations’ M.M. awarded to Corporal W. S. C. Sharland, 4th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column, attached 8th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (26487 Pte W. S. C. Sharland. 4/D.A.C. Aust: F.A.) very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘At Polygon Wood during operations on 26th/27th September 1917 this N.C.O. reinforced the captured position on the right flank with his gun detachment. This position was subject to a very heavy artillery fire but with great courage he placed a well directed barrage of Stokes shells on an enemy strong point, which slightly enfiladed the Infantry who were consolidating. During the advance he worked his gun and assisted the Infantry in taking strong points which gave any trouble. Throughout the whole of the action he worked his detachment in a gallant and skilful manner.’

William Stanley Cockburn Sharland was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1890. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1916. Sharland initially served with the 4th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column before being attached to the 8th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. He served with the latter in the French theatre of war from August 1917.

Sharland was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during operations at Polygon Wood, Ypres, 26/27 September 1917. He advanced to Corporal in October 1917, and transferred to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column in November of the same year. Sharland returned to Australia in June 1919.