Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 564

(x) Six: Sergeant L. F. Fateus, 2/24th Battalion, Australian Military Forces

1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed 'VX 25823 L.F. Fateus'; Unofficial Polish Tobruk Cross, unnamed as issued, very fine (6)

Six: Gunner J. Kilpatrick, 3rd Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France & Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; unnamed as issued, all in waxed packets in box of issue with enclosure slip, no ribbons, addressed to 'Mr J Kilptarick, 9 Force Lane, Bradford, Manchester 11', very fine (6)

Lyle Francis Fateus was born on 30 April 1906 and was a salesman when he enlisted in the A.M.F. on 1 July 1940.

The 2/24th Battalion was a unit of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF), it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas.

It served with distinction in North Africa in 1941-1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division for the rest of the war.

In the Middle East the Battalion became part of the legendary 'Rats of Tobruk' when as part of the 9th Division, under the Command of Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Morshead, known as 'Ming the Merciless' after a popular cartoon character of the period, they successfully held the town of Tobruk against the Afrika Korps of General Erwin Rommell, winning international acclaim and affording the Allies a victory over the all-conquering Axis forces.

On 1 February 1942 Fateus fractured his skull and was returned to Melbourne on 29 May 1942, he was discharged medically unfit for further service on 21 August 1942; sold together with copied research.

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

Sold for
£95

Starting price
£60