Souvenir Rising Sun brooch : Sergeant J R Cain, 5 Light Horse Regiment, AIF

Souvenir brooch made from a silver coated brass Rising Sun collar badge. On the reverse is a hinged pin clasp and a hand engraved silver plaque which reads '5. L.H. 1915'.

John Robert Cain was born in 1885 in Mount Gambia, South Australia where he was a clerk before enlisting on the 17 September 1914 in Goondiwindi QLD. He was promoted to 2 Lieutenant, Machine Gun Squadron 5 Light Horse on the 23 July 1916. He rose to the rank of Major and was wounded in action on 5 November 1917. His service overseas included Gallipoli, Egypt, throughout Palestine, including Gaza. His actions at Gaza earned him the Military Cross on the 18 February 1918 and the citation reads: 'This officer on 26 March at GAZA displayed marked dash and daring with his guns considerable skill in locating the enemy and finding suitable targets. By his prompt action and skilful handling of his guns he contributed largely to the demoralisation of the enemy in the dense cactus hedges. His conduct has been consistent throughout.' Cain was demobilised on the 28 June 1919.