Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private E. Haycraft, 46th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in rescuing a wounded officer from no man’s land, including carrying the latter for 1,200 yards under machine gun fire to the Regimental Aid Post. Haycraft died of wounds on the Western Front, 11 July 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2429 Pte E. Haycraft. 46/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (2428 Pte E. Haycraft, 46 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, minor official correction to number of VM, generally very fine or better (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry in the field near Albert on the night of the 5th/6th April 1918. About 3pm on the 5th April an officer lay severely wounded in no man’s land, covered by frequent bursts of a machine gun to prevent is rescue. An officer had gone out to his rescue and succeeded in bringing him in 50 yards. Private Haycraft, well aware of the danger and of the fact that four others had been wounded in the attempt, went forward and rendered great assistance in effecting the rescue. Each time a movement was made, machine gun fire was opened up on them. He then volunteered and assisted to carry the wounded officer to the Regimental Aid Post, 1200 yards distant being under machine gun fire the whole way. His coolness and willingness was exemplary.’

M.I.D. unconfirmed.

Edward Haycraft was born in Somerset, England in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Geelong, 1 March 1916, and served with the 46th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from January 1917.

Haycraft was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry on the Somme, 5/6 April 1918. He received a shell wound to the chest, abdomen and arm, 11 July 1918, and died of those wounds later the same day. Private Haycraft is buried in Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-Sur-Sommea, France.