Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Order of St. John and Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant L. G. Davison, 1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who served in Gallipoli with the 4th Australian Infantry Battalion before transferring to the French theatre of war - where he was wounded in action, 5 February 1917, and gassed

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Officer‘s (Brother’s), breast star, silver and enamel; Military Medal, G.V.R. (2353 Sjt: L. G. Davison. 1/Aust: M.G. Bn:); 1914-15 Star (2353 Pte L. G. Davison. 4/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2353 Sjt. L. G. Davison. 4 Bn A.I.F.) BWM partially officially renamed; New South Wales Ambulance Transport Service Long Service Medal, silver and enamel, reverse engraved ‘L. G. Davison’, mounted for display, minor blue enamel damage to last, generally good very fine or better (6) £800-£1,200

Order of St. John, Officer Brother, London Gazette 7 January 1955.

Order of St. John, Serving Brother, London Gazette 25 June 1943.

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘On the morning of 11th September 1918, Sgt. Davison was in charge of a sub-section (two guns attached 4th Australian Infantry Battalion) for an attack. An enemy counter attack from the flank compelled the infantry to withdraw. With great coolness Sgt. Davison got his guns into action covering the withdrawal and only withdrew to the outpost line 4 hours later. During the attack the officer in charge of the section was wounded and Sgt. Davison assumed command of the section and though suffering from the effects of gas remained on duty until relieved. He was then evacuated. This act of conspicuous courage was not brought to notice previously for inclusion in previous lists owing to the fact that the officer in charge of his section was evacuated wounded. In every engagement he has been in this N.C.O. has acquitted himself with courage, coolness and initiative.’

Recommended for M.I.D. 16 January 1919, the original recommendation states:

‘Period 16/17th September to 11th November 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has also at all times during periods of great danger in the line, by his cheerfulness and contempt of personal safety, been a wonderful example to his section.’

Lester George Davison was born in Bathurst, New South Wales in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales, 13 May 1915. Davison served with the 4th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli from October 1915. He transferred as Lance Corporal to the 1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion in March 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war.

Davison was wounded in action, 5 February 1917, and advanced to Sergeant in October of the same year. He was gassed during the action for which he was awarded the M.M., 11/12 September 1918. Davison returned to Australia in April 1919.