Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres - Battle of Broodseinde’ M.M. group of eight awarded to stretcher bearer, Private A. C. Eldred, 1st Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (123 Pte. A. C. Eldred. 1/F.A. Aust. A.M.C.); 1914-15 Star (123 Pte. A. C. Eldred. 1/F. Amb. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (123 T-Dvr. A. C. Eldred. 1 F. Amb. A.I.F.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘NG2041 A. C. Eldred’, mounted for display, generally good very fine (8) £700-£900

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

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations East of Ypres on October 4th 1917. This man showed the greatest courage and resource in helping in the evacuation of the wounded from the forward Regimental Aid Posts. He continuously crossed ground swept by shell fire and carried wounded men across swampy ground, showing at all times the greatest disregard of danger. He set a fine example throughout.’

Arthur Cyril Eldred was born in Granville, Sydney in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Sydney, 11 September 1914. Eldred was posted to the 1st Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance, and served in Gallipoli from 5 May 1915. He was evacuated to Mudros due to illness, 18 August 1915. Eldred transferred to the 1st Australian Field Ambulance, Australian Medical Corps in April 1916, but suffered further illness and influenza. He served with the unit on the Western Front from February 1917, and was awarded his M.M. for his gallantry during the Battle of Broodseinde, Ypres, 4 October 1917.

Eldred transferred to the 1st Motor Transport Company in January 1919, and was discharged in the same month the following year.