Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Ploegsteert’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Major G. Morton, North Staffordshire Regiment and Machine Gun Corps, who was three times wounded in action, and later served with the Australian Intelligence Corps during the Second World War

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2nd. Lieut. G. Morton. N. Staff. Regt.) unofficially re-engraved naming; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. G. Morton.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, these both officially impressed ‘QX42692 G. Morton’; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Australia, the reverse privately engraved ‘QX42692 Maj. G. Morton A.I.F.’, with sew-on top riband bar, very fine and better (7) £1,200-£1,600

M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty [at Ploegsteert on 7 September 1918]. When his machine guns were advancing to cover infantry they came under intense fire of all kinds. Two infantry platoons became disorganised and the advance stopped. This officer promptly went forward, with one man of his section, reorganised the infantry, and led them forward 300 yards and outflanked and silenced the enemy machine guns which were holding up the advance. While returning to his section he was severely wounded. He displayed great courage and initiative and rendered very valuable service.’

George Morton was born on 22 March 1896 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment on 13 July 1915. He served with the 8th Battalion (and later on attachment to the Northumberland Fusiliers) during the Great War on the Western Front from July to August 1915; June to October 1916; June to October 1917; and June to September 1918, and was wounded on three occasions. He was promoted Lieutenant on 27 April 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with the 29th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps. He was discharged on 28 October 1920.

Emigrating to Australia, Morton joined the Australian Army Reserve of Officers as a Captain on 30 December 1935, and served during the Second World War in the Australian Intelligence Corps, being promoted Major on 31 May 1943. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1947 (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27 November 1947).

Sold with various rank and unit insignia; and copied research.