Military Related

Lot 1357    SESSION 4 (John Chapman Collection, 4.30pm Tuesday)    Military Related

Estimate $2,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,000

GROUP OF FIVE: Military Cross (GVIR) (GRI); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45. Capt P.M.Penhallurick 1943. Military Cross engraved, other medals unnamed. Very fine.

Percival Murray Penhallurick, Lieutenant (local Captain), The King's African Rifles, attached 2nd Ethiopian

Battalion B.M.M.E. MC. L.G. 08Jul1943 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. On 11th Nov. 1941, this officer was

commanding 'B' Company of the 2nd Ethiopian Bn. during the attack on Genda fort. He led his company with

outstanding courage, ability and dash. For three hours after the outer defences of the fort had been captured he

attacked the main building which was strongly fortified, from a range of less than 100 yards. He led several

assaults on this building with hand grenades and his sub-machine gun. He set a magnificent example to his Ethiopian

Officers and men, showing a complete and utter disregard for his own safety in face of the grenades, heavy rifle

fire and Light Automatics which concentrated their fire on his positions. His personal example of courage was

largely responsible for the capture of the outer defences of the fort and his conduct throughout the four hours of

the attack was beyond all praise'. Percival Murray Penhallurick was an Australian who had an adventurous life, in

the 1930s in New Guinea and China. He was awarded the Military Cross while in the King's African Rifles. He became

a close friend of the Emperor of Ethiopia. During the 1960s he was a colourful figure in the Antiquarian book trade

in his shop at 123 Little Collins Street in Melbourne and was founder of the Cartophilic Society. Together with

Loyal Service badge and photo.