Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War 1917 ‘Hill 60’ M.M. group of three awarded to 2nd Corporal J. E. Mobbs, 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 2 June 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (3644 Spr: J. E. Mobbs. Aust: E.); British War and Victory Medals (3644 2-Cpl. J. E. Mobbs. 1 Tun. Coy. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (3) £1,000-£1,200

M.M. London Gazette 3 July 1917.

James Edward Mobbs was born in Ashburnham, New South Wales in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 3 November 1915, and served with the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Engineers in the French theatre of war from 17 May 1917. At the end of May/start of June the 1st Tunnelling Company were engaged (and had been for some time) with the preparation of the mines and tunnels in and around Hill 60 and The Caterpillar position, as a prelude to the Battle of Messine (7 - 14 June 1917). The mines were detonated on 6 June 1917. Mobbs advanced to 2nd Corporal, and was gassed 2 June 1917. He returned to Australia in May 1919, and was discharged 28 August 1919.