Lot 2628

Description

Trio: Distinguished Conduct Medal (GVR); 1914-15 Star; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1110 Sjt G.A.C.Gardiner 43/Aust Inf. Impressed. Very fine.

George Arthur Craig Gardiner. Enl.22Mar1916 Adelaide South Australia, K.I.A. 30Jun1917 Messines. D.C.M. L.G.: 16Aug1917. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of a raiding party when the officer was killed, and led them through intense rifle and machine-gun fire until compelled to take shelter in shell holes. He remained for some time attending to the wounded, later working his way back to the front line, and personally conducting stretcher parties to bring in the dead and the wounded men. By his courage and resourcefulness he set a splendid example'. Extract from 'The Forty Third Battalion History' '... Sergeant G.A.C.Gardiner D.C.M. left with the original battalion as a private in D Company. From being a rather wild and irresponsible private, he changed into one of our best non-commissioned officers, and gradually worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant, by merit and capable leadership. He went through all the hardships and dangers of the winter of 1916-17, a winter twhich will always stand out for its severity and its vile weather. For his fine work, initiative, splendid dash, and courage in one of the famous daylight raids prior to Messines he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal. During that celebrated tour in the line at Messines at the end of June and the beginning of July, 1917, which was one of the hardest tests ever put on the battalion, and which is familiarly known as the 'eighteen days stunt', Gardiner was killed. He is buried just below the ruins, which is all that is left of what must have been a delightful little town, on the top of the Messines Hill. Messines was the battalion's first big fight in France, and the little crosses mark the resting place of some of its best men. Sergeant Gardiner was ever a cheery soul, and he was sadly missed.' Buried: Cemetry Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West Vlaanderen Belgium. With research.