Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Battle of Messines’ stretcher bearer’s M.M. group of six awarded to Corporal C. H. Howard, 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. He was wounded in action, 14 December 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2073 Pte. C. H. Howard. 33/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (2073 T-Cpl C. H. Howard. 33 Bn. A.I.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last three officially impressed ‘N78443 C. H. Howard’, mounted for wear, lacquered, good very fine (6) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty in the Battle of Messines Ridge from the 7th June to 11th June 1917. Private Claude Henry Howard acted as a stretcher bearer. He worked indefatigably with the wounded during every heavy enemy bombardment. On four occasions he proceeded alone over open country to the forward line where the wounded were lying and dressed their wounds thereby greatly alleviating their pain. Many times he traverse the whole battalion front heedless of all personal danger. This splendid devotion to duty and his gallant and thoughtful actions earned for him the gratitude of many of the wounded.’

Claude Henry Howard was born in Bathwest, New South Wales, Australia, in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 10 April 1916, and served with the 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from November 1916.

During the Battle of Messines, 7 - 14 June 1917, the Battalion suffered casualties of 70 other ranks killed, and 8 officers and 244 other ranks wounded. Howard advanced to Temporary Corporal, 4 November 1917, and was wounded in action, 14 December 1917. He returned to Australia in April 1919, and was discharged, 5 September 1919.