| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL26507.001 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Military Medal: Driver Colin Douglas Grant Love, 2nd Motor Transport Company, Australian Service Corps, AIF
Description
Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Colin Douglas Grant Love was a 19 year old clerk when he enlisted in the AIF on 8 March 1915, with the permission of his parents. He had previously served part-time in the senior cadets, the naval cadets and, most recently, with the Army Medical Corps. Aafter basic training Love was posted as a private, service number 3277, to B Section, 6th Field Ambulance. He sailed for overseas service aboard HMAT A31 Ajana on 4 June.
Love landed with his unit at Gallipoli at the end of August 1915, returning to Egypt at the end of the year. In March 1916 he moved to France for service on the Western Front. Love later trained as a motor transport driver and in January 1917 was formally posted as a driver to the 1st Division Supply Column, then to "K" Supply Column in May. Despite this he remained attached to the 6th Field Ambulance as a motor ambulance driver. He was awarded the Military Medal on 10 June 1918. The recommendation for the award reads: 'On 10th. June 1918 near ALBERT, during the successful attack by the 7th. Aust. Inf. Brigade near MORLANCOURT, Driver LOVE drove his Ford motor Ambulance car continuously from an R.A.P. back to the Relay Post. During this time, about twelve hours, there was very heavy shelling and the road was particularly dangerous [.] He helped to load and unload the car, and by his careful and courageous driving continuously kept the evacuation route open and prevented congestion. He shewed (sic) great courage and devotion to duty'.
Late in the morning on 18 August, while the 6th Field Ambulance was camped near Daours, France, an enemy shell hit its motor ambulance lines, killing Love and another driver. They were buried in the Daours Communal Cemetery extension.
This commemorative plaque was sent to Love's father, James Edward Love, in February 1923. Another of his sons, Private James Edward Clayton Love, served with 2nd Division Signal Company and survived the war.