Lot 5478

Description

The 7th F.A.Brigade A.I.F. Gymkhana prize medal, (1916), in bronze (51mm), reverse legend, Larkhill Camp.Salisbury Plain.England.7.10.1916, centre inscribed, '107th Bty/Mule Race/Won by/Bdr. McDougall E.K'. In case of issue, oxidised toning around lettering and design details, good very fine.

Larkhill Camp was a huge training ground for troops just a short distance from Stonehenge. To keep morale high and to break the boredom of camp life, sporting events and competitions were staged between different battalions. One such event was a gymkhana featuring athletics and novelty events such as the Mule Race on 7 October 1916. Some other events included Wheel Barrow Race, Man Handling Gun Comp and Tug-of-War

Ernest Kinmonth McDougall (serial no.19118), railway porter, age 21, born at Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, Vic; originally enlisted 26Jul1915 but Disch.14Dec1915 as services no longer required; Enl.10Jan1916 at FAB Camp at Warren, NSW; Emb.11May1916 and to Larkhill Camp, England; to France 20Mar1917; WIA 07Nov1917 gassed and shell concussion, France; RTA 15May1919; Disch.21Aug1919.