Lot 6179

Description

Group of Eight: Military Cross (GVIR) 1943; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star (8th Army); Pacific Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Tobruk Association Medal. WX8402 P.F.Rooke. First and last medals engraved, remaining medals impressed. Court mounted for display. Very fine.

Lieutenant P.F.Rooke 2/28th Bn A.I.F. 'Lieut Rooke who gave outstanding service in the Middle East both at Tobruk and El Alamein, was in command of 9 platoon throughout the Lae and Finschafen operations. On 20 Oct 43, with B Coy 2/28 Aust Inf Bn. A Coy was ordered to capture Katika 9Satelberg 1:25.000). During the advance to the objective, an enemy ambush party was encountered, and Lieut Rooke personally organised and executed the successful brushing aside of the opposition. On the objective, his platoon was stationed astride the main Katika - Satelberg tracks (Map ref 639681) which were used by the Japanese as the axis of advance for their many counter attacks. His platoon withstood repeated attacks, by both day and night, for a period of five days, from 20 Oct to 25 Oct 43. He visited his forward posts and encouraged his men, continually, although under constant fire, and, it was largely his outstanding leadership, coolness and successful use of all available fire power which was responsible for the successful holding of the line against the many attempts of the enemy to dislodge them. A subsequent count of enemy dead in the area forward of his platoon showed 57 killed, and, it is estimated that many more killed and wounded were dragged away. Throughout the N.G. Campaign, his patrol work has been of the highest order as regards accuracy of information supplied and the number of enemy killed and wounded. His splendid leadership and untiring devotion to duty, together with his coolness and decision when under fire, are evidenced by the extrmely high regard in which he was held throughout the battalion. Together with gold plated shooting fob (22ct), inscribed '1st Prize P.F.Rooke M.C. 398 points 23.7.58'.