Auction Catalogue

16 April 2020

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 78

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16 April 2020

Hammer Price:
£650

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Squadron Sergeant Major E. W. Challis, 13th Light Horse Regiment, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1322 Sjt: E. W. Challis. 13/Aust: L.H.R.) good very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry in action and devotion to duty. During the operations east of Peronne on 6th and 7th September 1918, Sgt Challis was in charge of a flank guard liaison patrol working between 42nd Battalion and the left flank troops. In spite of very heavy machine gun and artillery fire, he continued to keep up a supply of timely information and repeatedly cleared up hazy situations at great personal risk. From his information we were able to pinpoint the line of flank troops and so make our dispositions conform and the cheerful and thorough manner in which he performed his tasks contributed largely to success of our left Company.’

Edmund Wilkinson Challis was born in Beeaca, Victoria in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at the place of his birth, 19 July 1915. Challis embarked for the Middle East for service with the 13th Light Horse Regiment, 23 November 1915. He served with the Regiment in the French theatre of war and advanced to Squadron Sergeant Major in January 1917.

Challis was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry on the Somme, 6-7 September 1918. He returned to Australia in January 1920, and was discharged in March of the same year.