Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain E. O. Straker, 7th Light Horse Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for services at Gallipoli

1914-15 Star (2/Lieut. E. O. Straker. 7/L. H. Rgt. A.I.F.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Captian [sic]. E. O. Straker. A.I.F.); Victory Medal 1914-19, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Captain. E. O. Straker. A.I.F.) very fine (3) £300-£400

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 December 1916.
The original Recommendation states: ‘On the night of 3-4 November 1915, at ANZAC, a forward movement on a prearranged plan was made from Chatham’s Post towards the Bird Trenches. The arrangements involved the reconnaissance by night of the enemy’s front and the construction of a tunnel towards a knoll 100 yards distant. The forward movement, the unopposed occupation of the knoll, and the construction of a fire trench were completed on the night of 3-4 November. On the night of 4-5 November, the enemy made four unsuccessful attempts on the new position, which was improved and consolidated during the day of 5 November under heavy rifle and shell fire. On the night of 7-8 November, a further advance of 30 yards was made under enemy bombing and rifle fire, and the position finally secured.
During the operations, Captain Straker carried out his duties in a most satisfactory manner. The work was very heavy, but the provision and foresight of this Officer resulted in the new works being kept fully supplied with stores.’

Straker had previously been recommended for a ‘Mention’ for his services between the end of August and the beginning of September at Lone Pine, the Recommendation stating: ‘For consistently good work whilst in garrison at Lone Pine n repelling hostile bomb attacks.’

Edward Oswald Straker was commissioned in the 7th Light Horse Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, and embarked in H.M.A.T. Hymettus at Sydney on 8 February 1915. Subsequently serving on the Staff, he was Mentioned in Despatches by General A. J. Murray, Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, on 13 October 1916; the delay between the act of gallantry and the Mention being confirmed illustrating the backlog of names requiring recognition for services on the Gallipoli peninsula.

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