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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 158

(x) The British War Medal awarded to 2nd Lieutenant W. H. Arnold, 19th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who died of wounds sustained at Cough Drop Alley during the Somme Offensive 1916, receiving a posthumous 'mention' for his courage

British War Medal 1914-20 (2. Lieut. W.H. Arnold. A.I.F.), very fine

William Henry Arnold was born on 19 November 1895 at Sydney, New South Wales the son of John Frederick and Mary Angela Arnold, of Willgama Grand Parade, Brighton-le-Sands, New South Wales.

Before his enlistment, Arnold worked as a fitter and turner; he embarked for the Middle East on HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915 arriving at Gallipoli on 20 August 1915. On 5 September 1915 Arnold was wounded from a bomb to his right foot. He was admitted to hospital at Heliopolis where he remained until 25 October 1915. Appointed Company Sergeant Major on 8 February 1916, he embarked with the 19th Battalion for Marseilles arriving there on 25 March 1916. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 23 September 1916 and posted to C Company 21st Battalion, A.I.F.

Arnold was mortally wounded in action on 17 November 1916 at Cough Drop Alley near Flers and succumbed to his wounds the same day. He is buried in Warlencourt British Cemetery. In recognition of his service, he was posthumously mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 30 December 1916 refers); sold together with copied research.

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

Estimate

Starting price
£40