Lot 1035

Description

Group of Eight:- Military Cross (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal (M.I.D.); British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal; Coronation Medal 1911; Coronation Medal 1953. Captain E.S.W.S. Vidal 1 Bn. A.I.F. M.C. engraved 'Capt E.S.W. Vidal 5PNR Bn A.I.F'. Second last medal engraved 'Lance Copl E.W. Sealy-Vidal Austn Contg'. Last medal unnamed, others impressed. Mounted for wear. Very fine.

M.C: C.G. 24 Oct 1918. MID C.G. 18 Apr 1918. Together with: Australian cadet contingent to the Coronation of King George V. 'In 1911, a contingent of military cadets was formed to attend the coronation of King George V. Numbering some 200 and aged between 15 and 19 years they were selected from the senior and junior Cadet Corps of city and country schools in New South Wales. It was planned that this contingent should be considered as official troops and as such assigned a place with the empire and colonial forces lining the coronation processional route-thus qualifying them for the Coronation Medal. They were however, denied official recognition or assistance by the Federal Government, but nevertheless departed Sydney as aprivate venture in the Themistocles on 21 April 1911. Again refused official status by the authorities in London, by bluff and good luck on coronation day the contingent managed to secure a prime position lining the roadway outside Buckingham Palace during the coration celebrations. Prior to departure for Australia in the Demosthenes, the contingent took part in various battlefields in England and Europe. A brief stopover in South Africa enable them to visit battlefields where Australian troops had served during the Anglo-Boer War. Arriving home in early October, the contingent disbanded on 19 October 1911. After spirited lobbying and representations, the contingent were finally granted their coronation medals, which were presented by the Governor-General in Queen's Square, Sydney on 30 January 1912.