Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres operations’ M.M. group of four awarded to Lieutenant S. L. Court, 56th Australian Infantry Battalion attached 5th Divisional Pack Transport Troop, Australian Imperial Force, late 12th Light Horse Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R. (283 Sjt: S. Court. 56/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (283 Pte. S. L. Court 12/L. H: Rgt. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. S. L. Court A.I.F.) mounted for display, light contact marks overall, therefore nearly very fine or better (4) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘On two occasions Sergeant Court displayed courage and resource on convoy duty in the vicinity of Hooge and Glencourse Wood in rallying men and keeping convoy intact under shell fire at night on 25th and 26th September 1917.’

Sidney Lancelot Court was born in Bingara, New South Wales, in 1891, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Liverpool, New South Wales, 8 January 1915. Initially posted to the 12th Light Horse Regiment, he served with the 7th Light Horse Regiment as part of the M.E.F. in Gallipoli. Court was invalided to Malta suffering from a septic leg, 27 September 1915. He returned to his unit in Gallipoli, and was evacuated to Egypt in December 1915.

Court subsequently transferred to the 56th Australian Infantry Battalion, advanced to Corporal in February 1916, and served in the French theatre of war from December of the same year. He advanced to Sergeant in August 1917, and was attached to the 5th Divisional Pack Transport Troop in September of the same year.

Court was awarded the M.M. for gallantry during operations in the vicinity of Hooge and Glencourse Wood, Ypres, 25 - 26 September 1917. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in January 1919, and advanced to Lieutenant in April of the same year. Court returned to Australia, and was discharged in March 1920.