Lot 3858

Description

Group of Four: Military Medal (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 795 Sjt J.H.Ferguson 2/Aust:Pnr Bn on first medal, 795 Pte J.H.Ferguson 27/Bn A.I.F. on second medal, Lieut J.H.Ferguson A.I.F. on third and fourth medals. All medals impressed. Very fine.

John Harley Ferguson. Enl.26Feb1915 Embarked Adelaide 31May1915 on HMAT A2 'Geelong', transferred to 2nd Pioneer Btn and promoted to Sgt. Recommended for MSM 03Oct1916 however not awarded. R.T.A.05Apr1919 MM. L.G.: 12Dec1917 C.G.: 02May1918 'At 10.30 on 19 September 1917, a party under Lieutenant T.Smith was constructing a road on east end of Bellewaard Lake. The party was subjected to prolonged shelling by big guns, falling very heavy at times. Lieutenant Smith had to be removed wounded and the Sergeant took charge. By his cool leadership he directed the men and kept them steadily working despite casualties and also attended to the wounded. His action inspired steady progress on most important work that had to be finished that day'. Together with identity tags, A.I.F. paybook, silver fob inscribed J.H.F., letter from battalion Headquarters confirming Military Medal Award, patriotic badge Broken Hill Red Cross Society, poloroid photos of his grave and some research.