Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 575

Eight: Private G. F. McCarthy, 2/27th Battalion, Australian Infantry, Australian Imperial Force, who saw heavy fighting in Syria and New Guinea before returning to service for further action in Korea

1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australian Service Medal 1939-45, all named (SX2862 G. F. McCarthy); Korea 1950-53 (3400142 G. F. McCarthy); U.N. Korea 1950-54 (3400142 G F McCarthy), the last mounted for wear, light contact marks, very fine (8)

Gerald Francis McCarthy was born at Woodville, South Australia on 7 July 1918 and enlisted at Wayville, South Australia on 17 May 1940 with the 2/27th Battalion. Embarking at Adelaide on 11 October 1940 with the Mauritania landing in the Middle East they were deployed with the 7th Division and completed their training in Palestine. The unit was earmarked for service in Greece but, fortunately for them, they were redeployed at the last moment and instead led the attack on Vichy French Syria.

They were in action at Sidon and Damour and saw the campaign through to its successful conclusion. With the outbreak of war with Japan the 2/27th Battalion returned to Australia and were posted on to New Guinea. They were part of Maroubra Force during the Kokoda Track campaign suffering severely from disease in the process. Further action at Buna, Ramu Valley and John's Knoll Valley saw the successful end to the campaign, posted to Borneo they were there when the war ended.

McCarthy survived the heavy fighting and was discharged on 8 January 1945 at Wayville but re-enlisted for service in the Korean War. Surviving that conflict as well he died at Lady Davidson Hospital, Turramurra on 22 April 1985; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£400

Starting price
£200