Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres operations’ M.M. awarded to Sergeant H. J. Gardiner, 11th Field Ambulance Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was also wounded in action during the course of the war

Military Medal, G.V.R. (13448 Sjt: H. J. Gardiner. 11/F.A. Aust: A.M.C.) minor edge bruising, very fine £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 28 January 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘On the 4th October 1917, east of Ypres, he was in charge of a large party of bearers clearing the regimental aid posts on the left sector of the Divisional Front. He set a fine example of courage and determination under heavy enemy shell fire, and displayed great initiative and resource in placing his men where they were most needed. It was largely due to his unremitting personal efforts under adverse circumstances that the rapid clearing of the wounded from the left sector was affected.’

Harry James Gardiner was born in Carnarvon, Wales, in 1877. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1915, and was initially on the strength of the 43rd Australian Infantry Battalion.

Gardiner served with the 11th Field Ambulance Australian Army Medical Corps in the French theatre of war from December 1916, and advanced to Sergeant in July 1917. Gardiner was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry in operations east of Ypres, 4 October 1917, and was wounded in action seven days later. He was discharged in the UK, 15 April 1919.