| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL43112.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1920 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
British War Medal 1914-20 : Lance Corporal J T Harper, 15 Field Company Engineers, AIF
Description
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
South Australian born motor mechanic John Tom 'Jack' Harper enlisted in the AIF on 1 February 1916, at the age of 20. Harper was posted as 8732 sapper to 3 Field Company Engineers and embarked on HMAT 'Hororata' on 2 May 1916. Arriving in France shortly before transferring to 15 Field Company Engineers in November 1916, he was promoted to lance corporal in October the following year.
For his actions near Ville-sur-Ancre during a feint operation for the main Allied assault on Hamel on 4 July 1918, Harper was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). He attracted further recognition for his actions during fighting near Peronne in September 1918, when he was granted a bar to the DCM. He is the only dual recipient of the award granted to a member of the Australian Field Company Engineers during the First World War.
Harper returned to Australia on 18 August 1919 and was discharged on 2 October. He died on 8 May 1954 at Cowandilla, South Australia.