A Great War 1917 ‘Zonnebeke operations’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal, later Lieutenant, G. S. Mackinnon, 7th Field Company, Australian Engineers, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action, 4 October 1917, and gassed 23 May 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2893 Sapr. G. S. Mackinnon. 7/F. Coy. Aust: E.) contact marks, nearly very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘During operations near Zonnebeke east of Ypres on 4th October 1917, Sapper Mackinnon was one of several sappers assisting to lay tapes to mark a communication to the front line immediately following the attack. Throughout this work, in face of exceedingly heavy shell fire, and between the crest and front line, exposed to raking machine gun fire, Sapper Mackinnon acted splendidly, running out tapes coolly and deliberately. While thus engaged Sapper Mackinnon was struck in the face with two small shell splinters, but nevertheless continued to render invaluable assistance toward the successful completion of the marking out right up to the front line. In course of recent operations, Sapper Mackinnon has constantly shown gallantry, determination and initiative in carrying out work under difficult conditions.’

George Sinclair Mackinnon was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1887. A mining engineer, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 21 June 1916. He served with the 7th Field Company, Australian Engineers in the French theatre of war from May 1917.

Mackinnon was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in operations near Zonnebeke, Ypres, 4 October 1917. On the latter date he was also wounded in the face. Mackinnon advanced to Lance-Corporal in December 1917, and was gassed 23 May 1918. Mackinnon was commissioned Second Lieutenant in January 1919, and advanced to Lieutenant, 5th Field Company, Australian Engineers in April of the same year. He returned to Australia, 15 May 1919.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient in uniform.