Lot 4996

Description

Group of Six: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45 with MID; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. QX35938 R.O.Baggaley. All medals impressed. Swing mounted, fingerprint marks on last medal, otherwise very fine - extremely fine.

Ex Ken Maxwell Lyon Collection.



There is no record of an award for Mention in Despatches however Private Baggaley was awarded the Military Medal.



Ronald Oscar Baggaley, farm hand of Bootawa in NSW, age 19, born at Casino, NSW; Enl.14Sep1941 at Gatton, Qld (11 LHR Q8106 to QX35938); Disch.11Jan1946 as Private ex 2/10Bn; Deceased 01Apr1987.



MM: LG 11/5/1944, p2170; CAG 27/4/1944, p893. In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South-West Pacific.



Citation: Faria Ridge (Map ref 709644 PAIPA1:25000) 22 Jan 44.

Pte Baggaley was platoon runner for No 11 Pl B Coy. At 1900 hrs 22 Jan his Pl led the attack on the enemy barb-wired position below Faria Ridge. He constantly carried messages to sections whilst exposed to heavy fire, with a complete disregard for his personal safety. The heavy fire eventually halted the attack. Pte Baggaley volunteered to go forward to help Cpl Higgins who was wounded about 20 yds from the Jap position. He crawled forward through fixed lines of 3 enemy MGs to the Cpl but found it impossible to get him out before dark. Despite still being under fire (Pte Baggaley's steel helmet was shot off his head) he remained with Cpl Higgins, tended to his wounds and after dark assisted him to safety.