Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 166


A fine Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal E. E. Johnson, 5th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Imperial Force, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M. and had already been recommended for an Al Valore Militare the year before for his gallantry at Ypres. He was twice wounded in action


Military Medal, G.V.R. (2402 Cpl. E. E. Johnson. 5/L.T.M. By: A.I.F.); 1914-15 Star (2402 Pte. E. E. Johnson. 17/Bn. A.I. F.); British War and Victory Medals (2402 Cpl. E. E. Johson. 17 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, with Silver War Badge (A98685); A.I.F. Returned from Active Service Badge (150297); Cap Badge and Identity Bracelet, light contact marks, generally nearly very fine or better (4)


£800-£1,200 M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918. The original recommendation (for the D.C.M.) states:


‘This N.C.O. whilst in charge of his mortar at Morlancourt near Albert on night of 18th/19th May 1918 served his mortar under heavy machine gun fire and shell fire, in which he had to frequently expose himself to observe the shooting. His fine disregard to personal danger and skilful handling of his mortar enabled him to silence an enemy strong point and contributed to the success of our attack. Under heavy shell fire he subsequently mounted his mortar on S.O.S. lines to cover our advanced positions. This N.C.O. has previously done excellent work, notably at Hangard.’


Recommended for Italy, Al Valore Militare, bronze:


‘This N.C.O. has served with this Battery since its formation and has always proved himself a capable and most worthy N.C.O. He has always taken charge of a mortar in engagements since and has always set a good example to his men. On the occasion of the 30th September 1917 at Westhoek he was sent for ammunition and after encountering severe enemy barrages, losing many of his party killed and wounded, although wounded himself would not leave until he had delivered ammunition to the gun positions in the font line.’


Ernest Edward Johnson was born in Featherstone, New Zealand in 1887. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales, 5 October 1915. Johnson served with the 17th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from March 1916. He transferred to the 5th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery the following month.


Johnson was wounded in action, 30 September 1917, and 9 October 1917, the latter being a severe gunshot wound to the left knee. Having advanced to Corporal, and after a period of recuperation Johnson rejoined his unit in France, 21 February 1918. He was recommended for the Al Valore Militare for his gallantry at Westhoek, Ypres, 30 September 1917, and finally awarded the M.M. for his gallantry at Morlancourt, on the Somme, 18/19 May 1918. The latter was performed in action alongside the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion.


Johnson returned to Australia in May 1919, and was discharged 19 July 1919.


Sold with the following original documentation: Certificate of congratulation from General Rawlinson, Commanding Fourth Army, dated 17 June 1918; letter of congratulation on the occasion of the award of the recipient’s M.M. from an officer of the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion, dated 4 June 1918; Certificate of Discharge.


167


A scarce Great War 1917 ‘Hill 60’ M.M. group of three awarded to 2nd Corporal J. E. Mobbs, 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Imperial Force, who was gassed 2 June 1917


Military Medal, G.V.R. (3644 Spr: J. E. Mobbs. Aust: E.); British War and Victory Medals (3644 2-Cpl. J. E. Mobbs. 1 Tun. Coy. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (3)


£1,000-£1,200 M.M. London Gazette 3 July 1917.


James Edward Mobbs was born in Ashburnham, New South Wales in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 3 November 1915, and served with the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Australian Engineers in the French theatre of war from 17 May 1917. At the end of May/start of June the 1st Tunnelling Company were engaged (and had been for some time) with the preparation of the mines and tunnels in and around Hill 60 and The Caterpillar position, as a prelude to the Battle of Messine (7 - 14 June 1917). The mines were detonated on 6 June 1917. Mobbs advanced to 2nd Corporal, and was gassed 2 June 1917. He returned to Australia in May 1919, and was discharged 28 August 1919.


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