Lot 5353

Description

Trio: Military Medal (GVR); British War Medal 1914-18; Victory medal 1914-19. 6836A Pte O.E.Lessing 21/Aust:Inf on first medal, 6836 Pte O.E.Lessing 21 Bn A.I.F. on second and third medals. All medals impressed. Very fine.

Otto Ernest Lessing. Enl.01May1917 Melbourne Disch.23May1919 MM.: L.G.: 03Jul1919 C.G.: 17Oct1919 'At Montbrehain, East of Peronne, on the 5th Oct., 1918, this man handled his Lewis Gun in a most effective manner. When a post established by the enemy in the northern corner of the village was causing considerable trouble and holding up the advance, Pte Lessing led the party under most heavy machine gun fire and rushed it. He was one of the first to jump down into the trench, and captured 1 H.G. and 5 prisoners. Throughout the day his excellent work as a gunner had a great effect on the enemy, of whom he killed a considerable number'. Together with research, original certificate for the MM, copy of citation, identity discs (3), photographs, 2 Aust Division Platoon Competition medallion in silver, inscribed '6836A Pte O.Lessing 24 Bn AIF, cigarette case.