| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Albert Bapaume Area, Pozieres Area, Pozieres |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/09352.003 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Military Medal : 2058 Sergeant Raymond James Brownell, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, AIF
Description
Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
2058 Sergeant (later Air Commodore) Raymond James Brownell, a Tasmanian, enlisted on 12 September 1914 in 9 Battery, 3 Field Artillery Brigade. He was discharged on 16 March 1917 on transfer to the Royal Flying Corps (later Royal Air Force) for pilot training. He also served in the RAAF during WWII. Brownell was awarded the Military Medal(MM) in July 1916. The recommendation for the MM reads, 'At POZIERES, FRANCE on 21/22nd July 1916 Sergeant BROWNELL rendered particularly meritorious service in establishing and maintaining communication between firing line and battery under severe shell fire regardless of personal risk or fatigue. He consistently displayed gallantry in his work'. He was awarded the Military Cross in January 1918 for his success as a fighter pilot with 45 Squadron in France and Italy. Brownell was appointed Commander of the British Empire in January 1945 and retired from the RAAF in 1947.