Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 98
A Great War 1917 ‘Polygon Wood - Ypres operations’ M.M. awarded to Corporal W. S. C. Sharland, 4th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column, attached 8th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force
Military Medal, G.V.R. (26487 Pte W. S. C. Sharland. 4/D.A.C. Aust: F.A.) very fine M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation states:
£400-£500
‘At Polygon Wood during operations on 26th/27th September 1917 this N.C.O. reinforced the captured position on the right flank with his gun detachment. This position was subject to a very heavy artillery fire but with great courage he placed a well directed barrage of Stokes shells on an enemy strong point, which slightly enfiladed the Infantry who were consolidating. During the advance he worked his gun and assisted the Infantry in taking strong points which gave any trouble. Throughout the whole of the action he worked his detachment in a gallant and skilful manner.’
William Stanley Cockburn Sharland was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1890. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1916. Sharland initially served with the 4th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column before being attached to the 8th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. He served with the latter in the French theatre of war from August 1917.
Sharland was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during operations at Polygon Wood, Ypres, 26/27 September 1917. He advanced to Corporal in October 1917, and transferred to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column in November of the same year. Sharland returned to Australia in June 1919.
99
A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres operations’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant H. J. Gardiner, 11th Field Ambulance Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was also wounded in action during the course of the war
Military Medal, G.V.R. (13448 Sjt: H. J. Gardiner. 11/F.A. Aust: A.M.C.) minor edge bruising, very fine M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1918. The original recommendation states:
£400-£500
‘On the 4th October 1917, east of Ypres, he was in charge of a large party of bearers clearing the regimental aid posts on the left sector of the Divisional Front. He set a fine example of courage and determination under heavy enemy shell fire, and displayed great initiative and resource in placing his men where they were most needed. It was largely due to his unremitting personal efforts under adverse circumstances that the rapid clearing of the wounded from the left sector was affected.’
Harry James Gardiner was born in Carnarvon, Wales, in 1877. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1915, and was initially on the strength of the 43rd Australian Infantry Battalion.
Gardiner served with the 11th Field Ambulance Australian Army Medical Corps in the French theatre of war from December 1916, and advanced to Sergeant in July 1917. Gardiner was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in operations east of Ypres, 4 October 1917, and was wounded in action seven days later. He was discharged in the UK, 15 April 1919.
100
A Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. W. Plant, 230th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, late Lincolnshire Regiment, who was seriously wounded in 1918
Military Medal G.V.R. (800247 Sjt: J. Plant. 230/ Bde. R.F.A. – T.F.); 1914-15 Star (900. Cpl. J. W. Plant. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (900 Sjt. J. W. Plant. R.A.) toned, good very fine (4)
£280-£320 M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918.
The Recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy hostile bombardment of his battery an ammunition dump was set on fire. He proceeded with four men to put out the fire, working in the intervals of shelling, which was so intense that it seemed impossible for the party to escape injury. He personally dragged out the burning boxes of ammunition, and had the fire not been checked, very serious loss in ammunition and material would have resulted. His reckless determination to achieve this gallant act greatly impressed all who saw it.’
Joseph William Plant was born in Louth, Lincolnshire, in 1883, the son of William and Ethel Plant, and enlisted there in the 1/1st North Midland Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) on 20 March 1912, having previously served in the Louth Rifles from 1901-05. He served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 230th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, and was awarded the M.M. in 1917 for gallantry while in charge of the 6th Gun Battery, 16 pnds. He was invalided out of the service after being seriously wounded in 1918.
101
A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Sergeant J. O’Flaherty, 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards, later Police Constable, Liverpool City Police
Military Medal, G.V.R. (11425 Pte. J. O’Flaherty. 2/Ir: Gds:) suspension slack; British War and Victory Medals (11425 Cpl. J. O’Flaherty. Ir. Gds.); Defence Medal, mounted for display, first polished, otherwise very fine (4)
£700-£900 M.M. London Gazette 29 August 1918, the recommendation states:
‘During the raid on Beaulieu Fme. on the night of April 23rd 1918 this soldier in charge of his Lewis Gun team displayed the greatest gallantry and initiative. He handled his team with the utmost skill, bringing his gun into action under heavy fire and bringing flanking fire to bear on an enemy post that was holding up the advance of our men. By his excellent leadership he was greatly responsible for the success of the operation.’
James O’Flaherty was a native of Arthurstown, County Wexford, Ireland. He enlisted in the Irish Guards in August 1916, and served with the 2nd Battalion in the French theatre of war from 23 January 1917 (wounded 31 July 1917). O’Flaherty advanced to Lance- Sergeant in April 1919, and was discharged in May of the same year. He served in the Liverpool City Police from 1920, and was still serving as a Police Constable during the Second War.
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