Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. awarded to Private E. H. Street, 55th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1570 Pte. E. H. Street. 55/Aust: Inf:) very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 14 May 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the Hindenberg Line, north of Bellicourt on 30th September and 1st October 1918. While the enemy shelling and machine-gun fire was at its utmost violence Pte. Street carried most important messages between the firing line and Battalion HQ. In the accomplishment of these tasks this runner had to move across an area which was subject to the enemy's shellfire and for the distance of some hundreds of yards to direct machine-gun fire and sniping. Throughout this gallant soldier showed great determination and most unselfish disregard for his own personal safety.’

Edmund Harrington Street was born in Harrington, New South Wales, in 1897. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 3 August 1915. Street initially served on the strength of the 6th Light Horse, and then the 2nd Reserve Light Horse Regiment, before transferring as a Gunner to 15th Field Artillery Brigade in April 1917. Having already served in Egypt, Street served with the 55th Australian Infantry Battalion in the French theatre of war from February 1917.

Street was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry as a company runner on the Somme, 30th September - 1st October 1918. The Battalion War Diary states that the attack was on a heavily defended area and the Germans had countless machine guns. The allied barrage was very weak and that the Battalion came under very heavy fire. The Battalion captured 18 prisoners, one 77mm gun, one 4.2mm gun and 29 machine guns. The Battalion's casualties were 2 officers and 18 other ranks killed, 2 officers and 52 other ranks wounded, with 2 other ranks wounded but remaining on duty.

Street returned to Australia, and was discharged 18 July 1919. In later life he resided in Bondi, Sydney. A replacement M.M. was issued in June 1951, however the above does not appear to be it.