The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Small Bible with gilt edged pages and a black leather cover stamped in gold 'HOLY BIBLE', and on the spine 'CAMBRIDGE', with an integral blue cotton page marker. Inscribed on the fly leaf in blue ink is: 'Mitta Mitta July th 1. 1915 Presented to Joseph L Scales from his loving Father and mother'.
Born at Mitta Mitta, Victoria in 1895 Joseph Lindley Scales was employed as a contractor, when he enlisted in the AIF on 1 February 1915. After basic training he was appointed a private, service number 1738, to the 2nd Reinforcements for 24th Battalion. The unit sailed from Melbourne on 16 July, aboard HMAT A64 Demosthenes.
Scales arrived at Gallipoli in September. In 1916, by now a corporal, he was mentioned in despatches for his work at Pozieres, France. As a sergeant he was awarded the Military Medal for an action at Bapaume on 15 March 1917. During the second battle of Bullecourt Scales was severely wounded on 3 May, on a day when eighty per cent of his battalion became casualties. He was evacuated to hospital in England and rejoined his battalion in France, newly commissioned an officer, on 5 August.
Scales was recommended for the Victoria Cross for an action at Daisy Wood, near Broodseinde, Belgium on 18 August, but was instead awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
A keen athlete, Scales represented Australia in the hurdles at the Inter-Allied Games in Paris in 1919. After his return to Australia later that year he played AFL for Fitzroy (1921-1923) and St Kilda (1924). Scales served again in the Second World War within Australia, as a captain, service number V83329, between March 1940 and February 1947. He died in 1967.
1914-15 Star. Impressed on the reverse with the recipient's details. Issued to Lieutenant W G Scales, 24th Battalion, AIF. Born in Mitta Mitta, Victoria in 1895, William Gordon 'Bill' Scales was wor
Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Awarded to Lieutenant W G Scales, 24th Battalion, AIF. Born in Mitta Mitta, Victoria in 1895, William Gordon 'Bill' Scales was
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Issued to Lieutenant W G Scales, 24th Battalion, AIF. Born in Mitta Mitta, Victoria in 1895, William Gordon 'Bill' Scales was working a
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Issued to Lieutenant W G Scales, 24th Battalion, AIF. Born in Mitta Mitta, Victoria in 1895, William Gordon 'Bill' Scales w
Sweetheart brooch with a French bayonet wrapped in a wreath and the word, 'ARMENTIERES'. It has a brooch pin on the reverse. Associated with the service of Lieutenant William Gordon Scales. Born in
Sweetheart brooch with a French bayonet wrapped in a wreath and the words, 'WE'LL GET THEM''. It has a brooch pin on the reverse. Associated with the service of Lieutenant William Gordon Scales. Bo
