Lot 5745

Description

Trio: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1303 Pte. R.M.Wakeling. 29/Bn A.I.,F. on all medals except unit shown as 29 Bn on last two medals. All medals impressed. Extremely fine.

Private/Lance Corporal Ralph Murchison Wakeling aged 18 years; Enl.19Jul1915 at Ballarat, Victoria; Emb 10Nov1915; to B.E.F. 16Jun1916; to be Lance Corporal 08Nov1917; to 5th Div Sig School 15Feb1918; recommended for MM 30Jul1918, amended to recommendation for MID 03Aug1918 re actions at Morlancourt 28-29Jul1918; to 32 Bn 12Oct1918; reduced to ranks 30Nov1918 for drunkeness; RTA 13Apr1919; Disch.05Sep1919. Recommendation for MM, 30Jul1918 by CO 29 Bn, 'At Morlancourt on night 28/29th July 1918, for gallantry and devotion to duty. This NCO went over with this Coy and laid telephone wire to captured position. The line was out immediately afterwards, and he worked continuously throughout the night under heavy enemy retaliation repairing same. By his energy and devotion to duty communication was kept up between his Coy and Battalion Post. This NCO has previously done splendid work. He set a splendid example to all ranks.' Recommendation for MID, 059/1856 3/8/18, Corps Order No.222, 13/8/18. Mentioned in Black and Gold, History of 29th Battalion, p134 line 27/29. Together with a swing mounted matching trio of miniatures. With research.