Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Military Cross group of four awarded to Lieutenant H.G. Witeombe, Australian Engineers

MILITARY CROSS, G.V.R., reverse engraved (Lieut. 9th F.C. Engrs. A.I.F.); 1914-15 STAR (178 Spr., 3 F.C. Eng. A.I.F.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS (Lieut. A.I.F.) good very fine (4)

Harold Goldie Witcombe was born in Deloraine, Tasmania on 2nd June, 1889. He enlisted on 15th September, 1914, as a Sapper with the 3rd Field Company, Engineers. He won the Military Cross as Lieutenant serving in France with the 9th Field Company, Engineers, 3rd Australian Division. The following citation was extracted from official records: 'East of HAMEL on 8th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry in reconnoitring a road for artillery immediately behind the assaulting troops. Accompanied only by a junior N.C.O., he met a party of 20 of the enemy with a machine-gun. Both rushed the enemy party, killing the gunner and wounding another, the remainder surrendering. After finding escort for prisoners, he continued reconnaissance to the end of his task and then returned and led his men to the work of making the road good for artillery. On account of his splendid example this important road was ready for artillery use 1 1/2 hours after zero, in spite of the fact that one fifth of his party became casualties.'