Lot 4538

Description

Family Group: Father. Trio: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1053 Pte C.A.Gates (note incorrect spelling Gates instead of Cates). 12 L.H.Rgt. A.I.F. on first medal, 1053 Pte C.A.Cates. 12 LH.R. A.I.F. on last two medals. Impressed. Swing mounted very fine. Son. Group of Five: Pacific Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45 with MID; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Netherlands War Commemorative Cross, - clasp - Oost - Azie - Zuid - Pacific 1942-1945. NX200959 R.C.Cates on first, second and third medals, other medals unnamed. Named medals impressed. Swing mounted, the last medal is a later striking, very fine - extremely fine.

Together with RSL Club Australia badge, back impressed NZ0380.

MID: not entitled, actually awarded Commander in Chief's Card by Gen Sir Thomas Blamey (GO1/31Jan1945).

Citation: 'The Commander in Chief, Australian Military Forces has awarded Commander in Chief's Card to the undermentioned (NX200959 Gnr Cates, Russell Chas. - Syd. Coast Arty) for distinguished services in the South West Pacific Area 1944.'

Pte Russell Charles Cates, born 16Apr1925 at Sydney; Enl.07May1943; Disch.02Jan1947 ex 2/1 Coast Arty.

Note: The War Commemorative Cross was offered by the Dutch Government to all Australian military veterans of WWII who served in the Dutch East Indies or Dutch New Guinea. The Australian Government rejected the offer based on the recommendation of Sir Thomas Blamey. However when he then accepted a Dutch knighthood for his services, the men under his command thought this to be the height of hypocrisy. The subject remained unresolved for decades until various ex-Service associations, mainly representing anti aircraft units, took the matter up and although the Australian Government still did not recognise the award the veterans' associations advised their members that they could wear the medal unofficially.

With research.