Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres operations’ M.M. and ‘Battle of Mont Saint Quentin’ Second Award Bar pair awarded to Corporal A. G. Shearer, 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (4241 Cpl A. G. Shearer. 18/Aust: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (4241 Cpl. A. G. Shearer. 13 [sic]-Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (2) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘On 20th September, near Westhoek, this non-commissioned officer led his men forward to the attack close to our baggage, mopped up strong points of the enemy before they were able to show fight, undoubtedly leaving many casualties thereby. On reaching the final objective he pushed on with a small patrol and gained valuable information. He visited his post under heavy shellfire in order to ascertain if they were safe. His example throughout the whole action was that of great soldierly quality. He has on previous occasions done very valuable work.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 11 February 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations on Mt. St. Quentin, near Peronne on 31st August 1918. His platoon was holding an isolated position on the flank. The enemy had established a strong post which, with bombs, rifle and machine gun fire, placed a Lewis gun in a position to bring fire on the enemy post and after bombing it rushed forward alone and killed the whole of the Garrison. It was due to his initiative that the enemy post was cleared and his platoon saved a number of casualties.’

A. G. Shearer was born in Wick, Scotland. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 3 November 1915, and served on the Western Front from 1916. He distinguished himself whilst serving with the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion near Westhoek, Ypres, 20 September 1917, and for a second time during the Battle of Mont Saint Quentin on the Somme, 31 August 1918. Four Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry during the latter battle.

Shearer returned to Australia in August 1919, and was discharged in December of the same year.