Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Battle of Arras’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant J. H. Hogan, 20th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry during the action at Lagnicourt, 15 April 1917. He was twice wounded during the war - receiving a bullet wound to the neck, and a shrapnel wound to the thigh

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4437 Pte. J. H. Hogan. 20/Aust: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (4437 Sjt. J. H. Hogan 20 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, minor edge bruising, generally very fine or better (2) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 18 June 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘This man acting as a runner showed great coolness and daring in carrying messages along the line during our advance in front of Lagnicourt on the morning of 15th April 1917. He was continually under rifle and M.G. fire but carried out his duties with the greatest satisfaction.’

Joseph Henry Hogan was born in Brisbane, Australia. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in November 1915. Hogan served with the 20th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from October 1916. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during the German attack and Australian counter-attack around the village of Lagnicourt, 15 April 1917. Despite being vastly outnumbered the Australians, through the 9th and 20th Battalions, managed to successfully counter-attack after German forces had made initial gains. The Australians suffered casualties of roughly 1,000, whilst the Germans suffered double that number.

Hogan advanced to Lance-Corporal in May 1917, and received a bullet wound to the neck in action near Villers Bretonneux, 7 April 1918. He advanced to Sergeant in September 1918, and received a shrapnel wound to the thigh during an advance near Peronne, 3 October 1918. Hogan returned to Australia in February 1919, and was discharged 3 May 1919.