Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant L. A. Haines, 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, originally recommended for the D.C.M., and wounded on three separate occasions

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4203 A Sjt: L. A. Haines. 1/Aust: Pr. Bn:); British War and Victory Medals (4203 Sjt. L. A. Haines. 5 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, surname partially officially corrected on BWM, generally good very fine (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917. The original recommendation (for the D.C.M.) states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the vicinity of Zonnebeke east of Ypres during operations on the 4th October, 1917. Sgt. Haines showed initiative and coolness in allotting men their numerous tasks whilst under heavy barrage fire. Although badly wounded in the head he remained on duty until the completion of a communication trench between the two Divisional flanks. He also assisted stretcher bearers in getting wounded men over difficult country.’

Lewis Arnold Haines was born in Diggora, Victoria, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 21 July 1915. He initially served with the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion, and served during the Great War in the French theatre of war from March 1916.

Haines advanced to Corporal and transferred to the 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion in August 1916. He was wounded in action on three separate occasions, 30 August 1916, 4 October 1917 and 13 October 1917. Haines advanced to Sergeant in December 1917, and returned to Australia on the H.T. Warwickshire, 5 April 1919. In later life he resided in East Malvern, Victoria.