Summary

Military Medal, George V awarded to Spr. Aubrey L.B. Hampton, service number 18, 2nd Field Co. Aust. E. (Field Company Australia Engineers). The Military Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia gazette, no. 184, 14 December 1916.

Aubrey Lionel Bertram Hampton, a 28-year-old fitter and turner, enlisted on 18 August 1914 (service no.18) and was made a sapper in 2 Fld Coy Engrs (2nd Field Company Engineers). He was shipped overseas on the Orvieto in 20 October 1914 and served in Gallipoli and the Western Front, becoming a driver in France. He suffered illnesses such as pneumonia and 'debility', and a minor wound, but seems to have escaped major wounds during the war. In 1916 Aubrey's significant act of bravery at Pozieres let to the award of Military and Distinguished Conduct medals. In July 1917 he married Victoria Alexandria Jane Johnstone of Kensington at Southbourne, Dorset, England. Aubrey returned to Australia in October 1918 on 'special leave', and his Victoria later joined him there. He recovered from the effects of the war and went on to work as a fitter at organisations including H.V. McKay and the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. He and Victoria had three daughters before he passed away at home, aged 50 years.

The Military Medal (MM) was instituted on 25 March 1916 as a gallantry medal for NCOs and men in the army for individual or associated acts of bravery. In June 1916 it was extended to women. Bars are awarded for additional acts that would warrant the medal. During World War, I 115,600 MMs were awarded, 5796 first bars, 180 second bars and one third bar. In 1993 this award was discontinued.

Physical Description

A round silver medal (36 mm diameter) with mount and ribbon. The obverse features a bust of George V wearing field marshal's uniform, head bare, facing left; around, GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:; the artist's initials B.M. (Bertram MacKennal) are on the bust truncation. The reverse has the Royal cypher GVR (George V King) above the legend FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD within a laurel wreath with crown at top. The edge is impressed 18 SAPR A.L.B. HAMPTON. 2/ FD: CO. AUST. E.

Obverse Description

GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP: B.M. (Bertram MacKennal)

Reverse Description

FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD

Edge Description

18 SAPR A.L.B. HAMPTON. 2/ FD: CO. AUST. E.

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