The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Percy Herbert Cherry VC MC, 26th Battalion. A 20 year old orchardist from Huon, Tasmania prior to enlisting on 5 March 1915, he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant on 1 May and embarked for overseas with D Company from Brisbane, Queensland on 29 June aboard HMAT Aeneas (A60). While serving at Gallipoli, he was promoted to Company Sergeant Major and then wounded in action and evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment in early December. After being promoted to Second Lieutenant on 8 December, he was appointed the Commanding Officer of the 7th Machine Gun Company and went with them to France in March 1916. He was wounded in action on 5 August and evacuated to England for medical treatment. While there, he was promoted to Lieutenant on 25 August and in November returned to France where he later re-joined C Company 26th Battalion. Following promotion to Captain on 9 December 1916 he was later wounded in action on 2 March 1917 but remained on duty. He was again wounded at 6:30 in the morning of 27 March 1917 but refused to leave his post, where he was killed at 4:30 in the afternoon by an enemy shell. Capt Cherry was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for "most conspicuous bravery, determination and leadership when in command of a company detailed to storm and clear a village" on 26 March 1917 at Lagnicourt, France. Capt Cherry cleared the village of the enemy after all the other officers of his company had been wounded. He organised machine gun and bomb parties and captured enemy positions, as well as resisting enemy counter attacks. Capt Cherry was also awarded the Military Cross on the same day for capturing two enemy machine gun posts (one single handedly) and turning the guns on to the enemy. He is buried in the Queant Road Cemetery, Buissy, Nord Pas de Calais, France.
1914-15 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. His family moved to Tasmania when Cherry was seven. When he wa
Brown rectangular canvas bed roll. Stencilled on outside in faded white paint is 'LIEUT. P H CHERRY 7 COY M G CORPS AIF'. Under the writing are two leather straps, both attached to the roll by two bra
Light brown woollen blanket with cotton drill edging along the top and bottom. The blanket is stitched along both sides. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. Hi
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. His family moved to Tasmania when Cherry was sev
Collapsible trench periscope. The body is made from a series of six telescopic metal rings which can be extended for use, or collapsed for storage. At the top of the periscope is a rectangular mirror
Khaki rubberised cotton gas cape, with stand and fall collar, brown celluloid buttons and brass rivetted holes along four sides. In the edging of the rivets is stamped 'AUSTRALIA OFFICER'S' and some i
German M1898/05 bayonet and scabbard. The bayonet features a hooked quillon. The blade is a single edged spear point design. Wood grips on the handle are fixed by two screws and have diagonal grooves
German signal pistol with round barrel and an octagonal breech with various proof stamps, 242 and 9.16 on the right. On the left of the frame is a 'M' in a circle over the serial number. The plain, wo
Military Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Percy Herbert Cherry was born to John Gawley and Elizabeth (nee Russel) Cherry in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. The family moved to Tas
Private purchase officers khaki service dress tunic. The tunic has pleated breast pockets with triple pointed flaps and a pair of expanding hip pockets with straight flaps. Four oxidised brass 'AUSTRA
Pair of white metal officers pips. On the reverse of each are two lugs and a brass split pin. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. His family moved to Tasmania
Oxidised brass rising sun collar badge. There are two lugs on the reverse. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. His family moved to Tasmania when Cherry was sev
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Percy Herbert Cherry was born to John Gawley and Elizabeth (nee Russel) Cherry in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. The family moved to Tas
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Captain Percy Herbert Cherry was born in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. His family moved to Tasmania when Cherry was seven. When he
Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Percy Herbert Cherry VC MC, 26th Battalion. A 20 year old orchardist from Huon, Tasmania prior to enlisting on 5 March 1915, he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant
Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Percy Herbert Cherry VC MC, 26th Battalion. A 20 year old orchardist from Huon, Tasmania prior to enlisting on 5 March 1915, he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant
Original grave at Lagnicourt, France, of Captain (Capt) Percy Herbert Cherry VC MC, Commander of C Company, 26th Battalion. Capt Cherry was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for "most conspicuou
Studio portrait of Captain (Capt) Percy Herbert Cherry VC MC, 26th Battalion, in civilian clothes. Capt Cherry was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for "most conspicuous bravery, determination
Studio portrait of 4935 Sergeant (Sgt) Reuben Herbert Wheeler, 6th Battalion from Wallacedale via Condah, Victoria. A 19 year old clerk prior to enlisting on 28 July 1915, he embarked for overseas as
Military Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Percy Herbert Cherry was born to John Gawley and Elizabeth (nee Russel) Cherry in Drysdale Victoria on 4 June 1895. The family moved to Tas