Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 70
A Great War 1917 ‘Hindenburg Line’ M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant L. I. Rzeszkowski, 16th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action on the Western Front, 4 July 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (3037 Pte L. I. Rzeszkowski. 16/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (3037 Pte. L. I. Rzeszkowski. 16/Bn. A.I. F.); British War and Victory Medals (3037 Sgt. L. I. Rzeszkowki 16 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, with four lapel badges including Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League, Australia, generally good very fine (lot)
£700-£900 M.M. London Gazette 15 June 1917. The original recommendation states:
‘This man was conspicuous amongst many brave men for his coolness and courage during the assault on the Hindenburg Line on the morning of the 11th April 1917. After getting through the enemy’s barbed wire entanglements, he helped other men also to get through at the risk of almost certain death from enemy machine fire which was pouring in from all directions. His fine example and bravery and devotion to duty under most trying circumstances is worthy of the highest commendation and went far towards keeping up the courage of many younger soldiers, for whom this was their first fight. He is recommended for distinction.’
Leonard Ignatius Rzeszkowski was born in Jamestown, South Australia in 1897. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Keswick, South Australia, 10 June 1915. Rzeszkowski served with the 16th Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli before being evacuated in December 1915. He served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from June 1916. Rzeszkowski was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during the assault on the Hindenburg Line, near Hamel Vaire and Hamel Woods, 11 April 1917. The Battalion suffered 80% casualties during the unsuccessful attack.
Rzeszkowski advanced to Lance Corporal in July 1917, and to Sergeant in June 1918. He was wounded in action 4 July 1918, and returned to Australia in December 1918. Rzeszkowski was discharged in February 1919.
71
A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal L. C. Cotterill, 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who had been wounded in action earlier in the war, 3/4 September 1916
Military Medal, G.V.R. (2447 L. Cpl. L. C. Cotterill. 52/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (2447 Pte L. C. Coterill. 12/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2447 L/Cpl L. C. Cotterill. 12 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘N70540 L. C. Cotterill’, mounted for display, generally very fine or better (6) £700-£900
M.M. London Gazette 1 February 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘By his gallant action, initiative and splendid leadership at a critical time on the 15th October 1917, he maintained a section of outpost line near Broodseinde Ridge. Whilst in charge of a Lewis Gun Section, his post was under continuous and heavy fire and was finally completely blown in, a gun and several of his men being buried. He personally dug out his gun and several of the men established a fresh post, and by the promptness in dealing with the situation, and by his personal courage, he set an example to the remainder of the line which was invaluable.’
Leonard Charles Cotterill was born in Beaconsfield, Tasmania in 1896. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Hobart, 12 July 1915. Cotterill was posted to the 12th Australian Infantry Battalion and served with them in Gallipoli. He transferred to the 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion in March 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war from June 1916.
Cotterill was wounded in action, 3/4 September 1916, and advanced to Lance-Corporal later the same year. He was awarded his M.M. for gallantry near Broodseinde Ridge, Ypres, 15 October 1917, and returned to Australia in May 1919. Cotterill was discharged in October 1919.
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