Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Great War 1916 M.M. group of four awarded to American citizen, Sergeant H. C. Kendall, Australian Army Service Corps, Australian Imperial Force, for driving a lorry in snow, without headlights, under heavy fire, with urgent material for an observation post within 250 yards of enemy trenches

Military Medal, G.V.R., with copy Second Award Bar (1366 Sjt: H. C. Kendall. 2/D.A. Sub: Pk: Aust: A.S.C.); 1914-15 Star (1366 Cpl. H. C. Kendall. 8/A.S.C. AIF.); British War and Victory Medals (1366 W.O. 2. H. C. Kendall. 8 A.S.C. A.I.F.) mounted for wear, lacquered, generally very fine or better (4) £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916. The original recommendation states:

‘Whilst on duty at Bully-Grenay on the night of 21st February 1916 driving a lorry up to within 250 yards of the enemy’s trenches under heavy fire with material urgently required for an observation post on an extremely rough and dangerous track during heavy snow and without lights.’

H. C. Kendall was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1885. He had previously served for four years with the South African Constabulary prior to enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force at Sydney, New South Wales, 26 September 1914. Kendall served with the 23rd Ammunition Sub Park, Australian Army Service Corps in the French theatre of war from August 1915. He advanced to Company Sergeant Major in December 1916, and returned to Australia in May 1919, being discharged in July the same year.

M.M. Second Award Bar not confirmed.