Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Night raid’ M.M. awarded to Private J. Buckley, 54th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, for his gallantry at Whiz Farm, east of Wytschaete, 19/20 February 1918.

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1622 Pte. J. Buckley. 54/Aust: Inf:) nearly very fine £600-800

M.M. London Gazette 10 April 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For gallant conduct and devotion to duty during a raid on Whiz Farm, East of Wytschaete, on the night 19th /20th February 1918. During the previous preparation and in the enterprise itself Private Buckley showed an admirable example and his personal gallantry and devotion to duty imbued his comrades with a confidence that considerably helped the enterprise. He was first through the enemy wire, first to the enemy dug-outs and one of the last to leave. He covered the left of the party during the return to our lines. His work throughout was of estimable value.’

Joseph Buckley was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, in 1895. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Dubbo, 19 January 1916. Buckley embarked for France in August 1916, and served with the 54th Australian Infantry Battalion as part of the 14th Australian Brigade, 5th Australian Division, in the French theatre of war from October 1917.

Buckley was awarded his M.M. for gallantry on operations in the Ypres sector, in particular during a night raid on Whiz Farm, east of Wystschaete, 19/20 February 1918. During the latter action 7 prisoners were taken, with 3 members of the Battalion (including Buckley) being awarded the M.M. Buckley returned to Australia in S.S. Orita, 23 June 1919, and was discharged in September of the same year.