Offered is a pair of medals to Private Christopher Olsen, who served Gallipoli 26th Battalion. He was 'Killed in Action' with the 2nd Pioneer Battalion in France in January 1917.
1914-15 Star, impressed named 1567 PTE C.OLSEN. 26/BN. A.I.F. Victory medal impressed named 1567 PTE.C.OLSEN 26 BN. A.I.F. Included are copies of service papers.
Christopher Olsen was born Brisbane Queensland 1888, listing his occupation as a shearer. Enlisted 28th May 1915 in Hughenden, QLD. 26th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement. Regimental number 1567. Next of kin Sister, Mrs F. Smith, 281 Newcastle Street, Perth, Western Australia.
Enlistment papers state "He is a motorcyclist and is taking his own machine with him"! (Possibly with intent to be used as a dispatch rider with HQ?) Departed Australia 29/6/1917 on HMAT A60 Aeneas.
His records do not list an arrival date in the Middle East, however he was evacuated sick from Gallipoli 30/10/15 to Hospital Influenza. 2/1/16 Returned to unit 26th Batt.
Posted to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion. 13/3/1916. 2nd Division. Landed France 24/3/1916.
KIA 16/1/1917. No War Diary available for that month from the Battalion.
The 26th Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 12 September. By that time, the campaign had become a costly stalemate and shortly after their arrival, as winter came and conditions worsened, the decision was made to evacuate the peninsula. As a result, the battalion did not take part in any major actions, and fulfilled only a defensive role, defending positions such as "Courtney's Post", "Steel's Post" and "Russell's Top", before it was withdrawn from the peninsula on 12 December. Casualties during this first campaign amounted to 26 killed and 96 wounded. In addition, over 500 personnel were evacuated as sick with about half returning to duty.
2nd Battalion Pioneers. 2nd Division. The battalion's first major action was fought around the Pozieres heights in late July 1916, during which it suffered over 200 casualties during a two-week period. Despite the heavy losses at Pozieres, the pioneers subsequently took part in the Battle of Mouquet Farm in July and August 1916.
