Summary

A collection of medal recommendations for thirteen members of the 13th Australian Field Ambulance dated February and April 1918.

Although dated February 27, 1918 the recommendations for a Companion of the Distinguished Order and two Meritorious Service Medals actually relate to the period between the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele (October 11-26, 1917). Major Thomas Charles Cann Evans (N/A), Private Robert John Johnsson (7963) and Sergeant Arnold Doyle Kemp (170 A) were recommended for decoration due to their work at the Advanced Dressing Station during that period.

The recommendations dated April 28, 1918 relate to the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24/25 April 1918). Private Harold Alfred Maurice Campbell (16261), Private John McLeay (4748), Private Arthur Gilbert Forrester (7989), Sergeant Otto Kirkby (185), Private Leonard Ernest Beale (644), Private Charles Edward Solly Mitchell (10271), Private Herbert Henry Johns (16229), Private Charles Middleton (9740), Captain Ernest Noel Brougham Docker (N/A) and Sergeant Cecil Leonard John Hayes (227) were recommended for decoration for their bravery and initiative during the battle.

Those recommended for decoration in April 1918, are mentioned in the May 1918 war diary for the 13th Australian Field Ambulance as having received their decorations. The recommendations themselves are included as an appendix in the May 1918 diary held by the Australian War Memorial, but were separate in this collection.

Part of the collection of World War I memorabilia donated by Sergeant John Lord (#6252), although it is believed that not all of the material relates to his own war service.

John Lord was 19 years old when he enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces in June 1915. Originally part of the 1st Australian Stationary Hospital, 11th Reinforcement; Lord was transferred to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance upon its formation in February 1916. He subsequently moved to the headquarters of the Assistant Director of Medical Services, 4th Division, in December 1918 where he seems to have spent the remainder of the war. Although listed as 'effective abroad,' Lord returned to Australia on 30 October 1919, and was discharged from service on 12 March 1920. He died in 1951.

Physical Description

Teb unbound pages.

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