Lot 3997

Description

Group of Four with MM for Zonnebeke: Military Medal (GVR type 1); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1644 Cpl A.W.Marum. 22/Aust:Inf: on first medal, 1644 Cpl A.W.Marum. 22 Bn. A.I.F. on second and fourth medal, 1644 Pte A.W.Marum. 22/Bn. A.I.F. on third medal. All medals impressed. Hairlines on first two medals, otherwise very fine - good very fine.

Together with two tribute fobs. The first, a cross in 15ct gold (7.3g) with soldier standing with rifle in a central disc, reverse inscribed, 'Presented to/No 1644/Corpl A.W.Marum. M.M./22nd Battalion/ANZAC/By His Kergunyah Friends/on his return from the Great War/1919'. The second, handmade in 15ct gold (6.8g) with central shield with monogram initials, 'AWM', reverse inscribed, 'From/Tawonga Residents/To/Cpl. A.W.Marum/A.I.F./1919'.

MM: Fourth Supplement No.30476 to LG 11/1/1918, p846, posn 75; CAG No.76, 23/5/1918, p1124, posn 96.

Recommendation: 'For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At Zonnebeke on 4/10/17 this man was in the leading wave of assault. The enemy was encountered in strength immediately after jumping off owing to our having anticipated his attack.

This man at once emplaced his gun and opened heavy fire breaking their formations and enabling our lines to advance without check. His action undoubtedly facilitated the advance and caused the enemy considerable losses. On reaching his objective he showed great self-reliance in selecting a position where he could pursue the enemy by fire and again inflicted casualties on parties who were retiring.

Later, when the men were physically exhausted, he continued on duty without rest and set a splendid example to all with whom he came in contact.'

Austin Walter 'Wally' Marum, labourer, age 30, born at Yackandandah, Victoria; prior to enlistment had been working on his uncle's farm at Tawonga where there is a Marum Lane and Marum Court in Tawonga South named after the family; Enl.11Feb1915 at Seymour, Victoria; proceeded to join MEF, Gallipoli 30Aug1915; 02Oct1915 Admitted to 6th Field Ambulance at ANZAC suffering dysentery; 25Oct1916 evacuated to 1st Aust Gen Hosp at Heliopolis, dangerously ill; invalided to Australia 03Jan1916; Emb21Mar1916 for Middle East; appt'd Temp L/Cpl 16Aug1917, L/Cpl 14Oct1917; awarded MM 14Oct1917; appt'd Cpl 30Dec1917; 31Dec1917 to 6 Training Bn in the field and passed Lewis Gun training; WIA 17Jul1918 Gassed; WIA 03Oct1918 GSW right eye and head; RTA 03May1919; Disch.20Aug1919; post war worked for many years with the State Electricity Commission on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and then at the fuel distribution shed at Bogong Village. There is a certificate awarded to Wally on display at the Bandiana Military Museum. Wally never drove a car and when his cousin asked why, he replied, 'I walked all over France during the war, I'm sure I can manage without a car now.'

With research.