Lot 2423

Description

Trio to KIA Gallipoli: 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 140 Cpl R.A.Penrose. 7 Bn. A.I.F. All medals impressed. First toned, nearly extremely fine.

Reginald Arthur Penrose, born at Calcutta, India was sworn into Victoria Police on 23Jun1913 and worked at Russell Street before becoming a Probationary Detective in the Criminal Investigation Branch; Enl.17Aug1914, at the age of 21, at Melbourne, Vic, with previous service in School Cadets; to Cpl 26Sep1914; Emb.19Oct1914; KIA 25Apr-02May1915 at Gallipoli with A Coy 7 Bn; commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey; his next-of-kin were William Henry Penrose and Priscilla Amelia Penrose (nee Potter) of Nami Rd, Dalanwala, Dahra Dun, India.
The 7 Bn was raised by Lt Col 'Pompey' Elliott within the first few weeks after Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914. Thus Reginald Penrose was one of the earliest to enlist in Australia, as is evidenced by his service number. The battalion was in the second wave at the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915 and ten days later transferred to Cape Helles to participate in the attack on the village of Krithia.
With research.