Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Australia (3/114021 Gnr. C. M. Holmes, A.M.F.); together with a mounted set of six miniature dress medals: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Australia, mounted as worn; together with two lapel badges, E.M. nearly extremely fine (9) £100-140

Charles Morell Holmes was born in Brighton, Victoria on 18 May 1915. An Audit Clerk by occupation, he enlisted in to the part time militia in January 1935 - served with the 2nd Field Brigade of Artillery and attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2. Enlisted in the A.I.F. at Royal Park on 14 July 1941. Served with the Australian Army Ordnance Corps. Served in Egypt, Palestine, Syria and North Africa - present at El Alamein. Returning home in February 1943, he took part in operations in New Guinea against the Japanese and in Operation Oboe in North Borneo, June-August 1945. As a Warrant Officer he was discharged from the Army on 27 February 1946. Enlisted in the Citizen Military Force on 26 August 1948 and served with the 22nd Field Regiment Artillery. Attained the rank of Sergeant in March 1949 and was discharged on 26 August 1951. Awarded the Efficiency Medal in 1950.

With an official credential for overseas travel document signed by the Hon H. E. Bolte, Premier of Victoria, dated Melbourne, 20 May 1958; Corporal’s Certificate, dated East St Kilda, 1 December 1936; Sergeant’s Certificate, dated East St Kilda, 16 September 1938; Course of Instruction for Artillery Certificate, dated Seymour, 4 December 1939; Australian Military Forces Warrant appointing Sergeant Holmes to a Warrant Officer Class II in the Australian Citizen Military Forces, dated 7 May 1941; Certificate of Discharge, dated 27 February 1946; Document of Recommendation for the Award of the Efficiency Medal - which also lists his W.W.2 medals; three portrait photographs - father, mother and himself; together with some copied research.