Lot 4028

Description

Pair: Military Medal (GVR); British War Medal 1914-18. 2937 Pte J.J.Howley 58/Aust Inf on first medal, 2937 Sgt J.J.Howley 6 Bn A.I.F. on second medal. Both medals inpressed. Fine.

John James Howley. 58th A.I.F. Enl.05Jul1915 R.T.A.28Mar1919. Originally recommended for the DCM. M.M. L.G.: 18Jul1917 'During the attack on Bullecourt and the tour in the trenches immediately before and after 9th/13th May, Signaller Howley, working with Signaller Stone (also recommended) was undoubtedly the means of saving from casualty many of the .... Shells swept across the position, not only breaking our wires but frequently destroying them. They were ordered to come back and wait till the shelling ceased before risking their lives. More often or not they would slip off unobserved and quite unexpectedly and would find communications restored. During 3 days these signallers laid 5 miles of wire, much of which they had salvaged in anticipation of such an experience. This is not the first occasion on which this pair have distinguished themselves. All throughout the campaign they have been doing the same excellent work. The experience they have gained has made them more and more expert and they risked death repeatedly in this last tour in the heavy bombardment to give the Battalion the benefit of their expertness.'