Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. J. Nesbitt, 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, a stretcher bearer who was gassed during the war

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4822 Pte. J. J. Nesbitt. 29/Aust: Inf:) contact mark to King’s cheek; British War and Victory Medals (4822 Pte. J. J. Nesbitt. 29- Bn. A.I.F.), mounted for display, generally good very fine (3)

M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘During the attacks on the Le Catelet - Mauroy Line, Mauroy and Sugar Factory east of Mauroy on 29/30th September and 1st October 1918. For his splendid work and devotion to duty. He was employed as a Stretcher Bearer and in the face of heavy artillery and M.G. fire he rescued many wounded carrying them to the Aid Post through an intense artillery fire. When our own wounded were all brought in he carried on bringing in many of the enemy wounded until he became exhausted and had to be relieved. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.’

J. J. Nesbitt was born in West Martland, New South Wales, Australia, in 1895. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales on 15 January 1917. He embarked for the UK in H.M.A.T. Anchises, 21 January 1917, and arrived 27 March 1917. Nesbitt transferred to the 29th Australian Infantry Battalion, and served with the them in the French theatre of war from June 1918.

Nesbitt was gassed, and upon recovery he served with the 29th Battalion as part of the 8th Australian Brigade, 5th Australian Division on the Somme. He was awarded his M.M. for gallantry in operations in and around Mauroy, 29/30 September - 1 October 1918. Nesbitt transferred to the 32nd Australian Infantry Battalion, 12 October 1918, and returned to Australia in S.S. Leicestershire in May of the following year. He was discharged 30 June 1919.