Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant G. H. Barter, 58th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for repeated acts of gallantry over a period of seven months of service on the Somme. He received a gun shot wound to the head, 29 September 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2779 Sjt. G. H. Barter. 58/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (2779 Pte. G. H. Barter. 6 Bn. A.I.F.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (2779 Sgt. G. H. Barter. 6 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, good very fine (3) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 20 August 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 16th - 17th September, 1918 to 31st December, 1918, and throughout the operations between 21st March, 1918 and 16th September, 1918 on the Somme.

At Messines this N.C.O. was a member of two raiding parties organised from the Battalion. In each instance his work was performed with courage and determination and was of the utmost value to his party.

At Villers Bretonneux on the night of 24th/25th April, 1918, he again proved himself a daring and resourceful leader and rendered excellent service.

During the operations east of Harbonnieries on 9th August 1918, Sgt. Barter handled a platoon in action with great tactical skill and determination, and was responsible for cleaning up several enemy machine gun positions. At Peronne on 1st/2nd September he again rendered excellent service to his Company, and during the attack near Bellicourt on 29th September. The work performed by this N.C.O. was of the highest order.’

George Henry Barter was born in Gippsland, Victoria, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 2 July 1915. Initially part of the 6th Australian Infantry Battalion, he subsequently served with the 58th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade, 5th Australian Division in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Barter advanced to Corporal in July 1916, and to Sergeant in June 1918. He received a gun shot wound to the head, 29 September 1918, and returned to Australia 15 February 1919. Barter was discharged ‘medically unfit’, 11 May 1919.