Lot 5358

Description

Trio: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 26 Dvr W.D.Oliver 3 L.H. Bde H.Q. A.I.F. on first medal, Lieut W.D.Oliver A.I.F. on second and third medals. All medals impressed. Very fine.

William Donald Oliver. Born South Yarra (Vic) Enl.15Oct1914 Emb.16May1915 for Gallipoli per HMT 'Menominee', 10Aug1915 transferred to 8th LHR from Bgde HQ and promoted to 2nd Lieut, 14Sep1915 promoted to Lieut, RTA.15Nov1915 for 3mths, re-emb.11Jul1916 with 19/8th LHR per RMS 'Mongolia', 26Sep1916 returned to duty with 3 LHR, 13Jan1917 detached to Imp School Instruction, 24Feb1917 transferred to 8th LHR, 31Aug1917 General Court Marshall at Kasr-rl-Nil Barracks Cairo. "When on active service absenting himself without leave from 10p.m on 21.8.17 until 7.15p.m on 22.8.17 (2) drunkeness 22.8.17. Sentenced to take precedence in the 8th L.H and in the Army as if his appointment bore date of 31.8.17 and to be severely reprimanded. Lt.Col.B. B. Blennerhassett 1st. (1/n) Batt. King's Liverpool Regt. President. Confirmed by G.O.C D. & W.F". 1.9.17. RTA.23Oct1917. The Nek (Lt.W.D. Oliver) see C.E.W. Bean, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18, Vollume II. The story of ANZAC page 616(347) "The evidence of the Brigade Signalling Officer Lieut W.D. Oliver (of Melbourne) whose duty was to watch for the flags is definite. He saw a man of fine physique whom he believed to be Sgt Roger Palmer (of Winchelsea, Vic) drop into enemy trench and immediatly afterwards the flag was waved". The attack at the Nek, by the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade on 7th August 1915, where four waves of these troopers were cut down by enemy rifle and machine gun fire was one of the great tragedies at Gallipoli.