Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Attack on Passchendaele Ridge’ M.M. awarded to Private T. J. Keppel, 48th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action on multiple occasions during the conflict

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2190 Pte T. J. Keppel. 48/Aust: Inf:) minor edge nicks, good very fine £500-£600

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

‘At Passchendaele Ridge, north east of Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917, for bravery and coolness during the attack and later after the retirement. Although wounded in the face earlier in the attack he refused to be evacuated and organised a party which did excellent work sniping. He was later again wounded and had to be evacuated. He showed a fine spirit and accounted for many of the enemy.’

Tennant John Keppel was born in Mystic Park, Victoria in 1893. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Adelaide, South Australia, 14 February 1916, and served with the 48th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from September 1917.

Keppel was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during the attack on Passchendaele Ridge, 12 October 1917. He received a gun shot wound to his leg, 21 October 1917, and was wounded in action again, 23 June 1918. Keppel returned to Australia in August 1919, and was discharged in October of the same year.