Identity bracelet : Brigadier E F Lind, 23 Brigade, AIF

Places
Accession Number REL31645
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Sterling silver
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made c 1939-1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Privately purchased sterling silver oval disc engraved 'BRIGDR E.F.LIND VX26781 A.I.F.'. Two 65 mm lengths of silver chain are attached to holes in either end of the disc and joined with a hinged clasp.

History / Summary

Bracelet worn by VX26781 Brigadier Edmund Frank Lind during the Second World War. Lind was born in Melbourne on 23 December 1888. He studied medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1914. On 20 August 1914 he enlisted in the first AIF as a captain, having served with the Melbourne University Rifles since 1910.

He was posted as regimental medical officer to 5 Battalion and after training in Egypt prepared to land on Gallipoli. However, injuring himself on 17 April he did not land until 28 May. Through the rest of the war he served with a number of units including 8 Field Ambulance, 5 Pioneer Battalion and 9 Field Ambulance, having been promoted to major in November 1916.

In August 1917 he became the Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services for II ANZAC Corps, and was then appointed DADMS to 4 Division in January 1918. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant colonel in charge of 2 Field Ambulance in September 1918 and ended his service in March 1919. He received the DSO on 1 January 1918, and was also Mentioned in Despatches twice. These MIDs were gazetted on 1 June 1917 and 31 December 1918.

On his return to Australia he established a medical practice and married Beulah Rotherdale McMinn, a First World War veteran, who had served abroad with the Australian Army Nursing Service. Lind rejoined the Melbourne University Rifles, commanding the unit on a number of occasions. In 1937 he was granted the honour of leading the Australian Military Contingent to the Coronation of King George VI. In 1938 he was promoted to Brigadier.

In 1940 he was appointed to command 23 Brigade, 8th Division, and in June had been appointed a Companion of the British Empire (Military Division). In 1942 during a restructuring of the AIF he was removed from command on Ambon before it fell to the Japanese. He returned to Melbourne and retired in July 1942. He died in May 1944.