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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 704

(x) The 1918 M.M. pair awarded to Acting Sergeant B. J. S. Harding, 19th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who single handedly captured two enemy machine-gun posts only to be Killed in Action at Mont St. Quentin, 'the most brilliant achievement of the AIF' before the award could be announced

Military Medal, G.V.R. (6079 Cpl. B. J. D. Harding. 19/Aust: Inf:), note incorrect initial; British War Medal 1914-20 (6079 A/Sgt. B. J. S. Harding. 19 Bn. A.I.F.), light contact marks, very fine (2)

M.M. London Gazette 19 May 1919, the original citation states:

'During operations on 11th August 1918 against Rainecourt, east of Amiens, this N.C.O. displayed marked courage and initiative. On reaching the objective, the left company was unable to get in touch with the battalion on its flank owing to heavy machine gun fire, holding this battalion up. With absolute fearlessness Cpl. Harding working round behind the enemy and heavily bombed them. The suddenness of this attack scattering the enemy who were shot down by a Lewis Gun in their efforts to escape.

Cpl. Harding captured 2 prisoners and 2 machine guns. The fine dash and energy of this N.C.O. removed a difficult obstacle and enabled communication to be established between the two battalions without further trouble.'

Bertie Joseph Samuel Harding was born at Ulan, New South Wales in 1898, the son of Joseph Harding of Riverstone, New South Wales. Educated at Ulan Public School he enlisted as soon as he was able on 8 February 1916, listing previous service with the Cadets. Posted to the 19th Battalion he embarked on 25 October 1916 as part of the 17th Reinforcement.

Entering the war in France he saw heavy fighting with his unit however it was off the field that he received his first wound, suffering an injury to his thumb from an accident with a grenade on 9 July 1917. Returning to the Battalion after recovering he was caught up in the fighting during the Spring Offensive where he was gassed on 18 April.

Once again returning to his unit he was with his unit at the opening of the Battle of Amiens, the start of the Hundred Days Offensive where they were in the line near Rainecourt. There Harding performed his gallant deed however at that stage he had less than a month to live. The Battalion was at the head of the Australian line during the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin on 31 August 1918 when Harding was killed in action, his service papers give first hand testimonies including one from his commander stating:

'We were in action at Mont St. Quentin. Harding was killed outright by Machine Gun fire. The body was found the next day, when the burial took place on the spot. The Battalion cross was placed over the grave. I was at the burial.
Harding was in my Platoon, "A" Company.'

Harding was later reburied at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, his father gave further details in the roll of honour stating:

'Was a well known boy athlete in Mudgee and Forbes districts. Won several Schools Athletic Championships. Took a prominent part in Sunday School work at Forbes, also acted as lay reader in the English Church at Forbes for some months prior to enlistment.'

Sold together with copied research and a photograph of the recipient's grave.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£850

Starting price
£180