| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL40064.004 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1920 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Victory Medal : Driver E J Messenger, 11th Battalion, AIF
Description
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of 462 Driver Ernest John Messenger during the First World War. Born in Adelaide in July 1881, Messenger served in the Boer War in 1902 with the 2nd Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse.
On 14 August 1914, Messenger was working as a horse driver and living at South Street, South Fremantle, WA when he enlisted in the AIF. On 2 November 462 Driver Messenger embarked aboard HMAT Ascanius at Fremantle with reinforcements to the 11th Battalion.
He saw service on Gallipoli, but was troubled by rheumatism and after suffering badly from dysentery, with extended periods in hospital, he was too weakened to continue his military service. Messenger returned to Australia and was discharged in January 1916.
In April 1917, he enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) and served with the No 5 District Guard. Messenger's son, Able Seaman Ernest George Messenger served aboard HMAS Australia during the Second World War.