Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal L. C. Cotterill, 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who had been wounded in action earlier in the war, 3/4 September 1916

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2447 L. Cpl. L. C. Cotterill. 52/Aust: Inf:); 1914-15 Star (2447 Pte L. C. Coterill. 12/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2447 L/Cpl L. C. Cotterill. 12 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘N70540 L. C. Cotterill’, mounted for display, generally very fine or better (6)
£700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 1 February 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘By his gallant action, initiative and splendid leadership at a critical time on the 15th October 1917, he maintained a section of outpost line near Broodseinde Ridge. Whilst in charge of a Lewis Gun Section, his post was under continuous and heavy fire and was finally completely blown in, a gun and several of his men being buried. He personally dug out his gun and several of the men established a fresh post, and by the promptness in dealing with the situation, and by his personal courage, he set an example to the remainder of the line which was invaluable.’

Leonard Charles Cotterill was born in Beaconsfield, Tasmania in 1896. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Hobart, 12 July 1915. Cotterill was posted to the 12th Australian Infantry Battalion and served with them in Gallipoli. He transferred to the 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion in March 1916, and served with them in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Cotterill was wounded in action, 3/4 September 1916, and advanced to Lance-Corporal later the same year. He was awarded his M.M. for gallantry near Broodseinde Ridge, Ypres, 15 October 1917, and returned to Australia in May 1919. Cotterill was discharged in October 1919.