Lot 4990

Description

Pair to Camel Corps KIA: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 1153 Pte. W.J.Raynor Cml.Cps. A.I.F. Both medals impressed. Good very fine.

Together with Memorial Plaque named to William John Raynor, cleaned, in original packaging; Australian Camel Corps cap badge.



William John Raynor, labourer, age 21, born at Marrickville, Sydney, NSW; Enl.10Jan1916 at Casula, NSW with 3 years service in Citizens Forces; to 1st ALH 10Jan1916; to Camel Corps 16Jun1916; Emb.22Jul1916; to Imperial Camel Corps 26Oct1916; to 1st Anzac Bn Imperial Camel Brigade 05Nov1916; KIA 11Apr1918 - previously reported wounded and died at Fld Amb amended to read killed in action; Buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Musselabeh, Palestine with officiating Chaplain A.E.Houston, EEF.



Various reports by fellow soldiers state that Raynor was well liked. On soldier stated, 'they both belonged to No.2 Company, 1st Battalion. On 10-4-18 they were at Mur-Salabah on the Jordan River, Palestine. They were holding a position behind the rocks and in trenches and the Turks attacked them there. When the soldier was about 50 yards from Raynor, he saw him and another chap hit by a shell. He died where he fell. However, other soldiers' versions of events stated that he was badly wounded, was conscious but did not speak and died a short time later at the Dressing Station with the doctor in attendance.



With copy of service file.