Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘Gallipoli’ D.C.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry during rescue operations at C2 Tunnel, ANZAC, after a mine had been exploded, 29 October 1915. He later died of wounds on the Western Front, 26 February 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (37 Pte. J. H. Kruger. 22/Aust: I.F.) pitted, very fine £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 January 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 29th October, 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mine tunnel and shaft to rescue others. He showed great pluck and, though suffering from the effects of the fumes, succeeded with the aid of another man in bringing up the body of an Officer who had succumbed.

The original recommendation states:

‘29/10/1915. C2 Tunnel. ANZAC. Distinguished himself greatly by his plucky conduct in entering the tunnel and shaft repeatedly to rescue others and, though suffering from the effects of fumes succeeded in bringing up Lieut. Bowra’s body with the aid of No. 1536 L/Cpl. J. P. Doyle, who also displayed endurance and devotion in rescue work.’

Joseph Harvey Kruger was born in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 16 February 1915. He served with the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli, and was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during a rescue mission at C2 Tunnel, opposite Johnstone’s Jolly, ANZAC, 29 October 1915. On the latter date the 4th Field Company Engineers detonated a mine in the tunnel near the 22nd Battalion’s position in the line. It failed to break through to open air, causing the poisonous gasses from the explosion to remain in the tunnel. Lieutenant Frederick Bowra was overcome by the gasses as he was lowered into a shaft to the tunnel. Lieutenants Edwin Bazeley, Charles Thom, and Sapper Frederick Currington went to his aid and were all overcome. Toxic gasses were then detected coming up the shaft. Several men, including Kruger, participated in a rescue attempt. Five men died as a result of this incident and several were hospitalised. Kruger was amongst those who were asphyxiated by gas.

Having recuperated, Kruger advanced to Lance Corporal in December 1915. He served with the Battalion as part of the 6th Australian Brigade in the French theatre of war from December 1916. Kruger was wounded 25 February 1917, and died of his wounds the following day.

Lance-Corporal Kruger is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.