Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.M. awarded to Company Sergeant Major E. Carter, 1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who had previously served in Gallipoli with the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1934 Sjt: E. Carter. 1/Aust: M.G.C.) good very fine £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 13 September 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the tour of duty of his Company into the line at Meteren 19/4/18 to 1/5/18, Sgt. Carter did splendid work. Whilst a night relief of sections was being conducted the enemy heavily shelled the Company area, and both Officers of his Section were killed. He immediately took charge of the Section and notwithstanding the shellfire, by skilful leadership he successfully completed the relief without further casualties. He set a splendid example to his men.’

Edward Carter was born in Woodford, Queensland in 1894, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Brisbane, 13 January 1915. He served with the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli, and transferred to the 3rd Australian Machine Gun Company in March 1916.

Carter served with the 3rd M.G.C. in the French theatre of war from May 1917, and advanced to Sergeant in May the following year. He served in the newly designated 1st Machine Gun Battalion in 1918, and advanced to Temporary Company Sergeant Major.

Carter returned to Australia in the S.S. Kildonan Castle, 15 May 1919, and was discharged 14 July 1919.