Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lieutenant C. Barber, 45th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who received a gunshot wound to the head and neck, 29 September 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1873 A Cpl C. Barber. 45/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. C. Barber A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘N99032 C. Barber’, mounted for display, generally very fine (5) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For great coolness and courage when observing from the roof of a house in the front line on 2nd May 1918 when under heavy fire near Villers Bretonneux, east of Amiens. He obtained valuable information regarding enemy trenches and new works, which was of great use in bringing artillery fire to bear on important posts. The house was continually under artillery and very heavy machine gun fire. During the whole tour of the front he was on duty at his spot continuously from dawn to dark and displayed great zeal and ability in applying information that enabled the artillery and machine gun fire to be directed on important enemy targets. He also did very valuable work on the nights of 29th April 1918 and 1st May 1918, when with great coolness and courage he patrolled very close to the enemy’s position and brought back valuable information regarding their dispositions.’

Cecil Barber was born in Ealing, London, and enlisted for the Australian Imperial Force at Bathurst, New South Wales, 2 February 1916. He served with the 45th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from July 1916. Barber received a gunshot wound to the head and neck, 29 September 1917.

Having distinguished himself on the Somme, Barber advanced to Corporal, 5 May 1918. He was appointed a Cadet for Officer Training in August 1918, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in March 1919. Barber returned to Australia in July 1919, and was discharged in September of the same year.

Barber re-engaged for service during the Second War at Sydney, and served with the Defence Regional Office, Eastern Command from October 1940. He was discharged 17 October 1945, and died in April 1971.