Lot 4064

Description

2nd Training Brigade A.I.F Fovant prize medal, Anzac Day 1918, in silver (24mm), by Phillips.Aldershot, reverse inscribed, '8 Oar Race/1st/Lt R.H.Thompson', hallmarked for Birmingham 1917. Extremely fine.

During WWI the 2nd Training Brigade was stationed at Fovant in Wiltshire which was home to a vast military camp. To keep morale high, competitions and sporting events were staged between units. One of these was held on Anzac Day 1918. To this day there exists at the campsite large ground carvings of badges including the Rising Sun and a map of Australia, twelve carvings in total all cared for by the Fovant Badges Society.

Richard Harold Thompson, age 21, wheelwright, was born at Tamworth, NSW; Enl.25.9.15 with previous service in 12 Inf Bn and 8LH; appt Cpl 16Feb1916, 2/Lt 17Jan1917 and Lt 28Jul1917; seconded to 11 Training Bn 13Jul1917; seconded to 9 Training Bn 07Nov1917; 13May1918 to France; WIA 26May1918 and again 29Aug1918; RTA 27Jun1919; appt terminated 13Aug1919.