Lot 4690

Description

Trio to VAD officer: Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australian Red Cross Society Medal with Efficiency clasp. NFX76541 M.M.McElhone on first two medals, last medal unnamed but numbered 722. All medals impressed. Good very fine.

Ex J. and J. Edwards Collection.

Miss Mary Mabel McElhone was born in Sydney of 04Apr1898, a fifth generation Australian. Her grandfather, father and uncle all had terms serving as Lord Mayor of Sydney. Mary had been a dedicated member of the VAD prior to WWII and when war broke out she was one of the first to enlist and sailed to the Middle East with the rank of Major and Assistant Comptroller. After a period of time the government decided to disband the VAD HQs in Cairo so McElhone returned to Australia. She discharged as Lt in the VAD on 11Jun1942. She entered Sydney University and later graduated as a Doctor of Medicine.

In 1969 after marriage, Dr McElhone became Lady Hallstrom, her husband being Sir Edward Hallstrom, the well known businessman and philanthropist. This was the second marriage for both as their first marriage partners had died. Her medals were donated to the Edwards Collection by her sister-in-law.

With group photo and details and photo of recipient in uniform.