Offered is a Military Medal to Private W. Jones, 13th Battalion, A.I.F., who in July 1918 went out into ‘no mans land’ and rescued a badly wounded soldier in full view of the enemy.
Military Medal (G.V.R.), impressed named 2586 PTE W.JONES. 13 / AUST:INF: Medal comes with copy service papers.
William Jones was born in Singleton, New South Wales, Australia in 1899. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 21/8/1916, departed Sydney on H.M.A.T A24 Benalla 9/11/1916 landing Devonport 9/1/1917. After time in the 9th Training Bn & Detention cells landed France 10/5/1917 & to the 13th Bn 25/5/1917. Numerous charges: 15/4/1917 Conduct to the prejudice. 31/5/17 Being out of bounds. 13/9/17 Court martialled for Desertion but amended to A.W.O.L. A further 6 A.W.O.L charges and finally 6/10/19 Evading sentry, A.W.O.L, giving false particulars, being in possession of another soldier’s pass. Returned to Australia 4/2/1920 & discharged 16/3/1920.
M.M. citation reads: On 4th July 1918 in the operation against Vaire Wood, east of Corbie, performed his duties as Company Stretcher Bearer in a particularly gallant manner. He worked incessantly under heavy shell fire throughout the day dressing and carrying wounded absolutely regardless of his own safety. On one occasion with magnificent daring he went forward into “No Man’s Land” in full view of the enemy and succeeded in bringing back a badly wounded man.’
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 12/2/1919
A well-earned gallantry award to a Australian soldier with a colourful service history, who ultimately performed his duty when the chips were down.
