Military Cross: Lieutenant A Honybun, 2 Machine Gun Company, AIF

Military Cross (Geo V). Engraved reverse with the recipient's details and unit.

Born in London in 1894, Anthony Garvis Honybun emigrated to Melbourne together with his parents and eleven siblings in 1910. He was employed as a motor mechanic when he enlisted in the AIF on 17 August 1914. He had previously been employed as a gardener by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. After initial training Honybun was assigned as a private, service number 793, to G Company, 8th Battalion, AIF. The unit sailed for Egypt from Melbourne on 19 October aboard HMAT Benalla.

After further training in Egypt, Honybun and his battalion landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 as part of the second wave. Ten days later the battalion transferred to Cape Helles to take part in the attack on Krithia. Later, the battalion fought in August at Lone Pine. Writing to his former employer, the archbishop, Honybun described the action as 'a hail of bullets and shellfire, a veritable hell on earth'. On 26 November he was promoted to lance corporal, shortly before being evacuated sick to Egypt on 3 December.

By the end of January 1916 Honybun had reached the rank of sergeant. At the beginning of March he transferred to the newly formed 2nd Machine Gun Company, with the rank of second lieutenant. The Company arrived in France at the end of March. In July it took part in the battle of Pozieres. At the beginning of December Honybun was evacuated sick to the 20th (British) General Hospital at Camiers. He was discharged a week later but remained at the machine gun base depot at Camiers until May 1917, when he rejoined his unit in the field.

During the Third Battle of Ypres Honybun was wounded at Polygon Wood, on 20 September 1917, when he sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh. He was evacuated to the 3rd London General Hospital, rejoining his unit at the beginning of November, where he received the news that he had been awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Polygon Wood. The recommendation for the award reads: 'For great gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on POLYGON WOOD East of YPRES on 20th September, 1917. This officer was in charge of a section of machine guns. During the move to the assembly position he had to move through an intense enemy barrage, and it was owing to his cool calm handling of his command that he brought all guns and crews though. He moved with the leading men throughout the advance, showing an utter disregard of personal danger. Immediately the third objective was reached he got his guns into position and displayed great tactical knowledge in placing of the same. He inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, and though severely wounded refused to retire until the position was safely consolidated. The success of the operation was due in a great measure to the sound knowledge displayed by this officer.'

In April 1918 the 2nd Machine Gun Company was merged with other MG companies to form the 1st Machine Gun Battalion. Honybun was posted to the Army Infantry School but contracted influenza in June. At the beginning of July he was diagnosed with debilty and was prescribed 'rest, tonic and change'. Three weeks later he returned the machine gun depot at Camiers. On 24 September he was placed on the supernumerary list. He saw no further active service and took extended leave in England. He returned to Australia aboard the troopship Borda in December 1919, accompanied by his wife, whom he married in England at an unknown date.