Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An interesting Great War 1917 ‘Passchendaele Ridge’ stretcher bearer’s M.M. awarded to Private O. Tuami, 48th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, born in Finland and a Russian subject, Tuami was tried by Field General Court Martial and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with hard labour almost immediately upon his arrival in France. He was released, having served a year of his sentence, and returned to his unit only to distinguish himself as a stretcher bearer some 3 months after his release

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2434 Pte O. Tuami. 48/Aust: Inf:) very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘At Passchendaele Ridge, N.E. of Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917. For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. He carried in wounded men under extremely dangerous fire which was constantly being directed on wounded and stretcher bearers. His remarkable coolness and strength was responsible for saving many lives. He was carrying men continuously during the whole operation.’

Oskar Tuami/Tuomi was born in Abo, Finland (a Russian subject) in November 1891. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Adelaide, South Australia, 6 January 1916, and was posted to the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion in France in 1916. Tuami was tried by Field General Court Martial in France, 8 July 1916, and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Tuami served a year of his sentence at No. 2 Military Prison, before having the 2nd year suspended. He returned to his unit in July 1917, and distinguished himself during the Battalion’s attack on Passchendaele Ridge, 12 October 1917. The Battalion captured all of it’s objectives, and over 200 German prisoners, suffering 13 officers and 359 other ranks killed, wounded or missing 12-14 October 1917.

Tuami returned to Australia in 1919.