Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant G. Abraham, 1st Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action four days after his arrival in Gallipoli, 9 August 1915, and again wounded in action and gassed whilst serving in France in 1916

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1910 Sjt: G. Abraham. 1/Aust: Inf:); British War Medal 1914-20 (1910 Sjt G. Abraham. 1 Bn. A.I.F.) mounted for display, generally good very fine (2) £500-£600

M.M. London Gazette 13 November 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘Near Strazeele on the afternoon of the 11th July 1918, Sergeant George Abraham showed great courage and devotion to duty when taking part in a small attack on an enemy position. He led his platoon with great determination and rendered great assistance to his Officer throughout. When the enemy opened fire with machine guns from the flank of the captured position he went forward with a party to capture the enemy post. Through his choice of ground he succeeded in approaching the enemy post and engaging them with bombs while other members of the party got to close quarters, and all then rushed the post,capturing five of the enemy and a machine gun.’

George Abraham was born in Hexthorpe, Yorkshire in 1886. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales, 26 January 1915, and served with the 1st Australian Infantry Battalion in Gallipoli from 5 August 1915. Abraham was wounded in action four days later, receiving gunshot wounds to the head and arm. Having been evacuated from Gallipoli, Abraham served with the Battalion in the French theatre of war. He was wounded in action, 22 July 1916, and gassed in August of the same year.

Abraham advanced to Lance Corporal in September 1916, and to Sergeant in December of the same year. He returned to Australia in March 1919, and was discharged in July 1919.