Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Sturrock, 14th Field Ambulance, Australian Imperial Force

Military Medal, G.V.R. (13972 Pte. J. Sturrock. 14/F.A. Aust: A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (13972 Pte. J. Sturrock. 14 F. Amb. A.I.F.) very fine (3) £1,000-£1,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late Ron Wright.

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M.M. London Gazette 7 October 1918.
The original Recommendation, dated 24 May 1918, states: ‘The 5th Australian Divisional Main Dressing Station in Daours, east of Amiens, on the morning of 20 May 1918 was under bombardment with shells of large calibre, and sustained a direct hit. In spite of this shelling Private Sturrock continued with the utmost coolness to discharge his duties in the Operating Theatre during an operation for the amputation of a wounded man’s thigh. His coolness was well exemplified by the way in which he anticipated the needs of the surgeons. The Dressing Station sustained a second direct hit, which demolished the Operating Theatre just as the operation was completed. Private Sturrock assisted to remove the patient to a cellar nearby where the wound was cleaned and dressed and the patient successfully evacuated. Whilst this was being done the soldier was indefatigable in going backwards and forwards between the Dressing Station and cellar under heavy shell fire to obtain dressings for his patient and two other patients who were under treatment in the theatre. The conduct of Private Sturrock under these trying circumstances was an inspiring example to all and doubtless saved many lives.’

John Sturrock attested for the Australian Imperial Force on 16 July 1915, and served with the 14th Australian Field Ambulance during the Great War on the Western Front, being awarded the Military Medal. He returned to Australia on 24 December 1918.