Military Medal : Sergeant E Richardson, 12 Field Artillery Brigade, AIF

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

Earl Richardson, a native of St George, Queensland, enlisted in the AIF in November 1915, aged 32. He received the service number 21098, and became a gunner with the 35th Battery of 9 Field Artillery Brigade, sailing from Sydney aboard the transport A8 'Argyllshire' in May 1916. Richardson later transferred to the 45th Battery, part of 12 Field Artillery Brigade, with whom he served for the remainder of the war. By 1918, he had reached the rank of sergeant, and was recommended for the award of the Meritorious Service Medal. Instead, he received the Military Medal for his gallantry during the major German attacks of March-April, and the Allied offensive in August. Later in the same year, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership and courage in resisting a German counter-attack. Earl Richardson returned to Australia in mid-1919, where he married and resumed sheep farming in the St George area. The recommendation for the MM reads as follows: 'For consistent good service and devotion to duty. Throughout operations at ROBECQ, STRAZEELE and the present SOMME operations from 8th. August onwards, this N.C.O. has commanded a subsection capably and fearlessly. When the enemy was advancing near ROBECQ on the 12th. April 1918 it was due to his coolness and initiative that gun limbers were taken, without orders, to the battery positions and guns got safely away.' The original recommendation was for the Meritorious Service Medal, (apparently intended for the 1919 New Year's Honours Gazette) but this was subsequently upgraded to the Military Medal.