Military Medal : Private C Pingre, 26 Infantry Battalion AIF

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Awarded to 6137 Private Charles Pingre, born June 1882 in Lyons, France. Having previously served in the French Foreign Legion, Pingre enlisted with the AIF in Brisbane on 6 October 1916 and embarked for England with 17th Reinforcements, 26 Battalion aboard HMAT Marathon. Arriving on 9 January 1917, Pingre then proceeded to France on 5 April. On 3 May, 26 Battalion was involved in the second attempt to breach the Hindenburg Line defences around Bullecourt. During the fighting Pingre received a gun shot wound to the left leg. For his actions on this day, Pingre was awarded the Military Medal on 12 June. His citation reads ‘For conspicuous gallantry during the bombing attack on O.C.1 (Hindenburg Line East of Bullecourt) on 3rd May 1917. During the second attack he volunteered to help and acted as Thrower throughout. He carried out his work fearlessly; and with great dash and initiative, and always led the party round traverses. When the enemy counter attacked he held his position until all his bombs were exhausted.’ In late September Pingre was attached to 7 Machine Gun Company which in March 1918 became part of 2 Machine Gun Battalion. On 17 May Pingre received a severe gun shot wound to the left thigh and was sent to England for treatment. After several months recuperating, Pingre returned to France and rejoined his unit on 2 November. He returned to Australia on 8 September 1919 aboard SS Chemnitz and was discharged on 15 November. Charles Pingre died on 8 August 1955 at Greenslopes Military Hospital, Brisbane.

• British War Medal 1914-20 : Private C Pingre, 26 Infantry Battalion AIF
• Victory Medal : Private C Pingre, 26 Infantry Battalion AIF