A Great War 1917 ‘stretcher bearer’s’ M.M. awarded to Private D. D. Grey, 6th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who received gun shot wounds to the head and thigh

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1959 Pte. D. D. Grey. 6/Aust: Inf:) edge bruising, very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation (jointly listed with 2172 Pte. T. Jones) states:

‘During the operations round Glencourse Wood east of Ypres on the 20th and 21st September 1917, these two stretcher bearers worked unceasingly carrying the wounded to the rear passing through heavy hostile barrages. When the other bearers became casualties, these two by their self sacrificing devotion to duty and tireless energy were instrumental in saving a number of lives.’

Devonshire Dickson Grey was born in Tamagulla, Victoria, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 12 January 1915. He served with the 6th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli, and subsequently served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war from April 1916.

Grey received a gun shot wound to the thigh, 6 February 1917. Having recovered, he was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in operations round Glencourse Wood east of Ypres, 20-21 September 1917. On the latter date the Battalion were successful in capturing all of their objectives, as well as 5 German Officers and 16 other ranks, whilst suffering collective casualties of 10 Officers and 247 other ranks killed, wounded or missing in action.

Grey received a gun shot wound to the head, 4 October 1917, and returned to Australia, 22 May 1918. He was discharged 31 August 1918.