Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Solomon Islands’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sapper J. D. Field, 15th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, a bulldozer operator who displayed ‘amazing coolness’ in forging a tank track behind enemy lines in Bougainville in June 1945 - and at one point was blown from the seat of his bulldozer by Japanese shellfire

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (VX.135639 Spr. J. D. Field. A. Mil. F.) minor edge bruise; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, campaign awards all unnamed, mounted for display, generally very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 6 March 1947.

The original recommendation states: ‘On 26 June 1945, Sapper Field of 15 Australian Field Company was a bulldozer operator with the task of constructing a track for tanks through the jungle and over river escarpments behind the enemy lines in support of the operations of the 24 Australian Infantry Battalion to seize important ground mid-way between the Mobiaia and Mivo rivers.

Although the enemy were occupying many positions in the area of the tank track, Sapper Field displayed great personal courage and devotion to duty in continuing to construct the track for five consecutive days, working from daylight to dark every day to get the tanks through.

Perched high up on his bulldozer he was a most vulnerable target to enemy parties endeavouring to hinder the operations but he showed amazing coolness and disregard for his own safety to do his duty.

On completion of a successful attack, Sapper Field was driving his bulldozer along the Buin Road to once again carry out further essential work when his bulldozer was hit by several shells from a cleverly concealed enemy 150 mm. gun. Sapper Field was blown into the jungle by the force of the explosions and, although considerably dazed, rushed back to his post where he found that most of the sappers accompanying the bulldozer were killed or wounded. Sapper Field displayed great resourcefulness in assisting in attending the wounded and arranged their evacuation despite the fact that the enemy were still in occupation of the position.

Throughout this important and arduous operation, Sapper Field showed outstanding devotion to duty and admirable courage. He spared no effort in playing this dangerous part in the operation.’

James Desond Field was born on 17 September 1918 and was living with his wife at Dumbalk, Victoria, about the time of his enlistment in the Australian Army. Details of his M.M.-winning exploits were first reported in the Sydney Morning Herald and his award was sent to him in July 1949.