Auction Catalogue

4 & 5 March 2020

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 130

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4 March 2020

Hammer Price:
£500

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Private F. Cleary, 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was twice wounded in action during the course of the war

Military Medal G.V.R. (2795 L. Cpl. F. Cleary. 2/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (2795 Pte. F. Cleary. 2/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (73497 Dvr. M. J. Clarke. R.E. [sic]) mounted for display, note different recipient details for last two, generally very fine (4) £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 25 May 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘At Hermies, France, 9th April 1917 for courage and initiative in our attack on the German position. During the operation he handled his light machine gun section with marked ability and courage. On the position being gained he pushed forward into a shell hole. Enfiladed an enemy trench and caused them to retire.’

Francis Cleary was born in Whitton, New South Wales, Australia in 1895. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in July 1915, and embarked for Egypt in September 1915. Cleary served with the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from April 1916.

Cleary was wounded in action, 30 September 1916. He advanced to Lance Corporal in March 1917, and led a light machine gun section during the attack on Hermies, 9 April 1917. During the latter, the Battalion suffered casualties of 2 officers and 57 other ranks killed, 6 officers and 116 other ranks wounded.

Cleary was wounded in action again, 4 May 1917. He struck a superior officer, 25 July 1917, and was tried by District Court Martial the following month. Cleary was reduced to the ranks and returned to Australia in December 1917. He was discharged as a consequence of his wounds, 20 March 1918.