Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 106


A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant M. A. Farrelly, 28th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in capturing an enemy machine-gun and crew. He was also wounded in action on two separate occasions during the Great War


Military Medal, G.V.R. (5300 Sjt: M. A. Farrelly. 28/Inf: Bn: A.I.F.) generally very fine M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation (jointly listed with Corporal A. V. Holt) states:


‘During the attack East of Villers Bretonneux near Amiens on the 8th August 1918, these two N.C.O.s rushed a German machine gun which was firing on our troops. They captured it killing six of the crew and taking six prisoners. This act enabled the advance to continue.’


The Blue and White Diamond - The History of the 28th Battalion 1914-1919, by Neville Browning gives the following additional details:


‘Lieutenant J. C. Birt, brandishing his revolver, leapt into an enemy post and forced the surrender of its garrison of twenty enemy troops and two machine guns. The Diggers of 'A' Company, led by Lieutenant J. Hopkins (later wounded), advanced with a home made flag bearing the 28th Battalion colour patch, made from material 'salvaged' from Villers- Bretonneux. (Note: According to my notes, the flag was presented to the War Memorial - Author). Another machine gun nest temporarily held up the advance, until Sergeant M. A. Farrelly and Corporal A. V. Holt attacked the post, killing six of the garrison and capturing six others. The advance was immediately resumed. Privates S. W. Robinson and A. Knowles rushed a third strong point. The two Diggers charged the post with a Lewis gun, inflicted heavy casualties on the garrison and forced the surrender of twenty Germans.'


Matthew Aloysius Farrelly was born in Drogheda, Ireland. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 1 January 1916. Farrelly served with the 28th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from 19 November 1916. He advanced to Corporal in January 1917, and was wounded in the left hand during the same month.


Farrelly served with the 70th Battalion, April - September 1917, before advancing to Sergeant and returning to the 28th Battalion. He was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during an attack east of Villers Bretonneux, Somme, 8 August 1918. On the latter date the Battalion took 5 German officers and 68 other ranks captive, 4 x 77mm field guns, 3 heavy and 7 light machine guns, and 4 light trench mortars. Farrelly received a severe gunshot wound to his left leg, 28 August 1918.


Farrelly returned to Australia in March 1919, and was discharged, 8 September 1919. £600-£800


107


A 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Corporal W. H. J. Burnett, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, for his gallantry as a runner near Biefvillers, 24 -25 August 1918


Military Medal, G.V.R. (33688 Pte W. H. J. Burnett. 2/Canterbury R.) number corrected and engraved; British War and Victory Medals (33688 L/Cpl. W. H. J. Burnett. N.Z.E.F.); War Medal 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal, last two engraved ‘804696 W. H. J. Burnett. N.Z.E.F.’, mounted for display, generally good very fine (5)


£700-£900 M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. The original recommendation states:


‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 24th and 25th August 1918, during the operations in front of Beifvillers, Private Burnett, who was employed as a runner between Forward Brigade Headquarters and Battalion Headquarters, repeatedly went out both by day and night, under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire, and, without regard for his personal safety, delivered important despatches to the Headquarters of the Battalions in the line. He carried on for a long time, during which it was of the utmost importance that operation orders and urgent despatches should be delivered to the Battalion Commanders. This man also gave valuable assistance to linesmen by carrying wire to them at a time when telephonic communication could not be maintained on account of shortage of stores. This work was voluntary and in addition to his ordinary duties as a runner. His cheerfulness, dogged determination, self sacrifice and devotion to duty inspired the greatest confidence in and were a splendid example to his comrades.’


William Henry John Burnett was born in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand in 1888. He attested for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in September 1916. Burnett served with the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment in the French theatre of war from May 1917.


Burnett returned to New Zealand in June 1919, and was discharged the following month. He died in Napier, 20 July 1974. Sold with copied research.


108


A Great War 1918 ‘Masnieres Line operations’ M.M. group of three awarded to medical orderly, Private M. Webb, 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who was wounded in action, 4 April 1918


Military Medal, G.V.R. (40401 Pte M. Webb. 1/Auck: R.); British War and Victory Medals (40401 Pte. M. Webb. N.Z.E. F.) mounted for display, generally good very fine (3)


£700-£900 M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1919. The original recommendation states:


‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the field on October 1st and 2nd [1918] during operations east of Masnieres this man, who is a medical orderly to the R.M.O. rendered valued and courageous assistance to his officer in the dressing of wounded. While the wounded were lying in large numbers around the Regimental Aid Post and were being repeatedly subjected to heavy enemy shell fire, during which several were killed and a number re-wounded, Pte. Webb displayed great gallantry in frequently exposing himself to go out into the open and carrying the wounded under dangerous and trying conditions for over 36 hours without rest, and his efforts were undoubtedly responsible for many lives being saved.’


M. Webb was born in New Zealand in 1886, and attested for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in November 1916. He served with the 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment in the French theatre of war from June 1917. Webb was wounded in action, 4 April 1918, and was awarded his M.M. for gallantry during operations on the Masnieres Line 1 - 2 October 1918.


Webb returned to New Zealand in May 1919, and was discharged, 1 August 1919. He died in October 1927. Sold with copied research.


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