Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. and Second Award Bar awarded to Sergeant H. B. Tyler, 4th Australian Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was also wounded in action, 8 August 1916, and commissioned in 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (663 Sjt: H. B. Tyler. 4/Aust: M.G.C.) very fine £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in the field during the advance near Morcourt, east of Corbie, August 1918. When the advance was checked near Cerisy Gailly by heavy enfilade machine gun and field gun fire from Chipilly, he promptly rushed his guns forward and engaged the field guns, silenced them causing many casualties among the enemy's gunners. The whole time being under direct fire himself. By his total disregard for his own safety he set a splendid example to all troops near him.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation (for a D.C.M.) states:

‘For conspicuous leadership and gallantry. During the attack near Hamel, east of Corbie, this NCO was in charge of two guns for the new support line. When about half way over he heard that his Section Officer with the two guns for the final objective was killed, together with the Corporal and one gun team. He promptly placed the senior No. 1 in command of the rear guns and ran forward, re-organised the remaining men of the advanced guns and led them forward to the new front line, selected positions and covered the consolidation by the infantry. Through his promptness and coolness no gun gear or ammunition was lost and the guns reached the final objective with the infantry. He set a splendid example of initiative and leadership.’

Henry Bernard Tyler was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 1891. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 16 September 1914, and was posted to the 14th Australian Infantry Battalion via Mudros and Alexandria. Tyler advanced to Corporal in April 1916, and served with the 4th Australian Machine Gun Corps in the French theatre of war from June 1916.

Tyler was wounded in action, 8 August 1916, advanced to Sergeant in May 1918, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in August 1918. He advanced to Lieutenant in December 1918, and returned to Australia in May 1919. Tyler was discharged in September 1919.