Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 83
A fine Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal R. Morgan, 45th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded on three occasions during the Great War, and previously recommended for the M.M. in light of his gallantry at Zonnebeke, 12 October 1917. He was commissioned for service at a P.O.W. Camp during the Second War
Military Medal, G.V.R. (4517 Cpl. R. Morgan. 45/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (4517 Cpl. R. Morgan. 1 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘NX147859 R. Morgan’, mounted for display, with recipient’s identity disc, polished, generally nearly very fine (5)
£700-£900 M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For his leadership, courage and devotion to duty whilst on patrol in Dernacourt, south west of Albert on the night of 1st April 1918. After reaching the nearest houses on the outskirts of the village 2 machine guns concealed on the right of the patrol opened fire, thus cutting off the patrol. This unforeseen event placed the patrol in a tight corner and would have been disastrous had it not been for the presence of mind and initiative of Cpl Morgan, who immediately rallied his section, crawled forward under heavy machine gun fire, and when 10 yards from the guns threw bombs, blowing up the guns and saving the situation from his flank.’
Received a Divisional Commander’s Commendation ‘On his great coolness and courage at Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917.’ Morgan was originally recommended for the M.M. for his actions at Zonnebeke:
‘At Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917 during attack on enemy trenches he was in charge of a carrying party detailed to carry S.A.A., Grenades, etc., to the attacking troops. Despite heavy casualties to the party and very heavy going over country knee deep in mud he succeeded in establishing a forward dump and keeping it supplied. This work was carried out through a very heavy enemy artillery and M.G. barrage and across the open. Later, when the command of a Platoon devolved upon him he led his men with great coolness and courage to the support of a Coy in the front line.’
Reuben Morgan was born in Turondale, New South Wales in 1896. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Lithgow, New South Wales, 2 August 1915. Morgan served with the 45th Australian Infantry Battalion in Egypt from March 1916, and in the French theatre of war from 4 July 1916. He was wounded in action on three occasions: a gun shot wound to the left arm, 21 February 1917; a gun shot wound to the right thigh at Dernacourt, 5 April 1918 and gun shot wound to left arm at Lihors, 17 August 1918.
Morgan advanced to Corporal in March 1918, and returned to Australia in December 1918. He was discharged in June 1919, and served as a Lieutenant at P.O.W. Camp during the Second War. Morgan died at Reparations Hospital, Concord, June 1963.
84
A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private E. Haycraft, 46th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry in rescuing a wounded officer from no man’s land, including carrying the latter for 1,200 yards under machine gun fire to the Regimental Aid Post. Haycraft died of wounds on the Western Front, 11 July 1918
Military Medal, G.V.R. (2429 Pte E. Haycraft. 46/Aust: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (2428 Pte E. Haycraft, 46 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, minor official correction to number of VM, generally very fine or better (3)
£600-£800 M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For gallantry in the field near Albert on the night of the 5th/6th April 1918. About 3pm on the 5th April an officer lay severely wounded in no man’s land, covered by frequent bursts of a machine gun to prevent is rescue. An officer had gone out to his rescue and succeeded in bringing him in 50 yards. Private Haycraft, well aware of the danger and of the fact that four others had been wounded in the attempt, went forward and rendered great assistance in effecting the rescue. Each time a movement was made, machine gun fire was opened up on them. He then volunteered and assisted to carry the wounded officer to the Regimental Aid Post, 1200 yards distant being under machine gun fire the whole way. His coolness and willingness was exemplary.’
M.I.D. unconfirmed.
Edward Haycraft was born in Somerset, England in 1892. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Geelong, 1 March 1916, and served with the 46th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from January 1917.
Haycraft was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry on the Somme, 5/6 April 1918. He received a shell wound to the chest, abdomen and arm, 11 July 1918, and died of those wounds later the same day. Private Haycraft is buried in Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-Sur- Sommea, France.
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