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| Search Result for "20951" | ||||
| Lot | Description | Status | ||
20951 Click for more photos | 1940-35 WWII New Guinea Military Cross group of 9. Military Cross engraved 1944, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star 8th Army clasp, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, ASM all impressed VX14643 T J Harris, Efficiency Decoration engraved 3/58508 Lt Col T J Harris C.M.F. & Efficiency Medal Australia engraved VX14643 Capt T J Harris AIF. Thomas Jackson Harris enlisted 9-5-1940. Served in Middle East, New Guinea & Singapore. With copies of medal entitlement. Military Cross citation reads: For distinguished service in action and devotion to duty at Scarlet Beach, Finschhafen, while acting as battery commander of 10 Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery in support of 9 Australian Division. On 18 October, the Japanese commenced a counter attack from the west. One section of the 10 Australian Light AA Battery was one of the first sub units of 9 Australian Division to be attacked where there was no infantry screen. As the day progressed, other guns of the battery were attacked and several had to be withdrawn. One gun had to be temporarily abandoned owing to the speed of the Japanese advance. Captain Harris continued to visit his troops and guns, encouraging his men and where possible himself supervising their withdrawal to fresh positions. He led a party to a gun temporarily abandoned under fire and in view of the enemy 100 yards away and rendered it temporarily unserviceable. When the area of his battery headquarters came under machine gun and mortar fire and was directly threatened, he skilfully organised its defence and set an inspiring example of cheerfulness and coolness. During the whole day he obtained and passed information of enemy movements and progress to Headquarters 24 Australian Infantry Brigade and to his regimental headquarters which proved most useful and valuable. He also gave great assistance in organising the local defence of the area until the infantry arrived. Captain Harris showed complete disregard for his personal safety and great coolness and presence of mind. His leadership and example were outstanding particularly as he had very recently been placed in command of a strange battery. [LG 115/5/1944 p 2170]. (P) | SOLD at A$6000 | ||
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