4517 Corporal Reuben Morgan, 45th Australian Infantry Battalion, A.I.F.
AUS - MM, Pair and WW2 Pair - Morgan
1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal R. Morgan, 45th Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded on three occasions during the Great War, and previously recommended for the M.M. in light of his gallantry at Zonnebeke, 12 October 1917. He was commissioned for service at a P.O.W. Camp during the Second War.
Military Medal, G.V.R. (4517 Cpl. R. MORGAN. 45/Aust: INF:); British War and Victory Medals (4517 Cpl. R. MORGAN. 1 Bn. A.I.F.); War Medal 1939-45, Australia Service Medal, last two officially impressed ‘NX147859 R. MORGAN’, mounted for display, with recipient’s identity disc, polished. Generally nearly very fine.
M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states: ‘For his leadership, courage and devotion to duty whilst on patrol in Dernacourt, south west of Albert on the night of 1st April 1918. After reaching the nearest houses on the outskirts of the village 2 machine guns concealed on the right of the patrol opened fire, thus cutting off the patrol. This unforeseen event placed the patrol in a tight corner and would have been disastrous had it not been for the presence of mind and initiative of Cpl Morgan, who immediately rallied his section, crawled forward under heavy machine gun fire, and when 10 yards from the guns threw bombs, blowing up the guns and saving the situation from his flank.’
Morgan received a Divisional Commander’s Commendation ‘On his great coolness and courage at Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917.’ Morgan was originally recommended for the M.M. for his actions at Zonnebeke: ‘At Zonnebeke on 12th October 1917 during attack on enemy trenches he was in charge of a carrying party detailed to carry S.A.A., Grenades, etc., to the attacking troops. Despite heavy casualties to the party and very heavy going over country knee deep in mud he succeeded in establishing a forward dump and keeping it supplied. This work was carried out through a very heavy enemy artillery and M.G. barrage and across the open. Later, when the command of a Platoon devolved upon him he led his men with great coolness and courage to the support of a coy. in the front line.’
Reuben Morgan was born at Sofala, New South Wales on 12th September 1896, married Ettie Eldridge in 1920 and died at Reparations Hospital, Concord, Sydney on 26th June 1963.