Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘capture of Briastre - pursuit to the river Selle’ M.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal T. W. Phaup, 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (30636 Pte - L. Cpl. - T. W. Phaup. 1/Well: R.); British War and Victory Medals (30636. Cpl. T. W. Phaup. N.Z.E.F.) mounted for display, BWM partially officially corrected good very fine (3) £600-£800

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

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the field at Briastre on the 11th and 12th October 1918. This NCO was in charge of a forward party of linesmen and maintained communication between the front line Companies and Battalion HQ throughout the above operations. The enemy’s shell fire was exceptionally heavy and the work of maintenance was rendered both difficult and dangerous, but this NCO displayed an utter contempt for the hostile shelling and by his personal bravery and untiring perseverance he enabled most important messages to be put through. Throughout the operations the courage of this NCO was conspicuous and his leadership was an outstanding example to the men of his section.’

T. W. Phaup attested for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in June 1916, and served with the 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment in the French theatre of war from August 1917.

Phaup was awarded his M.M. for his gallantry during the capture of Briastre, as part of the pursuit to the river Selle, 11 - 12 October 1918. After successfully capturing its’ objectives, the Battalion had suffered casualties of 28 other ranks killed, 76 wounded and 11 missing.

Phaup returned to New Zealand in May 1919, and was discharged, 28 June 1919. He died in February 1962.

Sold with copied research.