Lot 4099

Description

British Empire Medal (GRI) - Meritorious Service. AUS20750 Cpl Alfred Edward Woodnutt RAAF. Engraved. Good very fine. $ BEM: LG.23 April 1943: 'In December, 1942, Corporal Woodnutt displayed outstanding courage, endurance and perseverance which resulted in the rescue of Sergeant Byrnes, who while returning from a raid was forced to abandon his aircraft. He came down in the sea aproximately 1« miles off the coast and Corporal Woodnutt who was stationed on an island nearby immediately went to his rescue in a small rubber dinghy. After several attempts lasting an hour, he succeeded in getting through the heavy surf and reached Sergeant Byrnes who was clinging exhaustedly to portions of the wreckage of a ship. With great difficulty Corporal Woodnutt got Sergeant Byrnes into the dinghy without capsizing it and then proceeded to the shore towing the dinghy behind him. This rescue was carried out at great personal risk, as the waters in this area are infested with sharks and crocodiles.' Together with: two congratulatory letters; copy of London and Commonwealth Gazettes; correspondence regarding investiture, and brief research.