Presentation watch fob : Private Edward Augustus Gale, 4 Light Horse Regiment, AIF

Places
Accession Number REL34799
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Gold
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made 1919
Conflict Period 1910-1919
First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Circular gold watch fob presented to Private Edward Augustus Gale of his return to Australia after the First World War.
Obverse features the initials 'EAG' within a wreath.
Reverse is engraved with the inscription 'Presented By The CITIZENS Of LAKE BOLAC AND DISTRICT TO PRIVATE E A GALE in recognition of SERVICES ABROAD With The A.I.F. 1919', also within a wreath.
The fob originally had a suspension ring at the top but this has broken off.

History / Summary

Associated with the service of 1477 Trooper Edward Augustus Gale, 4 Light Horse Regiment. Gale was 19 years old, and working as a railway porter when he enlisted in the AIF on 26 July 1915. He embarked with the 11th Reinforcements for the Regiment aboard HMAT Palermo from Melbourne, Vic, on 29 October 1915.

After arriving in Egypt, Gale was posted to A Squadron in January. He was charged with being absent from roll call and church parade in late January and was punished with five days confined to barracks.

In February Gale was admitted to hospital with mumps. He returned to his unit in March and was transferred to C Squadron. Gale served in Egypt and Palestine, and on 23 May 1917 he was wounded in the head during the action at Tel el Marakeb in Palestine. He was evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

After recovering from the wound and a short period of extra training, Gale rejoined his unit in July. He continued to serve with his unit in Palestine, taking part in the Charge at Beersheba, in Jordan, where he fought at Es Salt, and in Syria. Gale returned to Australia on 25 July 1919, aboard HT Essex from Kantara. He was discharged on 16 September 1919.