The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
1939-45 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details.
This 1939-45 Star was issued to Sergeant William Henry Kibby, 2/48 Battalion. The 1939-45 Star recognises service in operations between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Qualifying periods varied between services.
William Henry Kibby was born on 15 April 1903 in Winlaton, England and migrated with his family to Adelaide in 1914. By 1940 Kibby was a fibrous plasterer with a wife and two daughters. He enlisted in the AIF on 29 June and was posted as private SX7089 in 2/48th Battalion. He embarked with the battalion from Adelaide in November, bound for the Middle East. Following an accident which resulted in a leg injury, he rejoined his battalion before the battle of El Alamein.
Kibby was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions over several days. Taking over after his platoon commander was killed, he was ordered to attack strong enemy positions. He personally assaulted an enemy post, firing his Thompson sub-machine gun, killing three of the enemy and capturing 12 others. On other occasions he showed great leadership, directing fire and encouraging his men. He was killed by machine-gun fire on the night of 30-31 October; his work was said to have been "an inspiration to all". A quiet and sincere man, Kibby often told friends that all he wanted was to return to his wife and two daughters and his garden in Glenelg, Adelaide.
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This British War Medal 1939-45 was issued to Sergeant William Henry Kibby, 2/48 Battalion. The British War Medal 1939-45 re
Australia Service Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Australia Service Medal 1939-45 was issued to Sergeant William Henry Kibby, 2/48 Battalion. The Australia Servic
Africa Star with 8th Army clasp. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. This Africa Star was issued to William Henry Kibby, 2/48 Battalion. The Africa Star was granted for operational servic
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Defence Medal was issued to Sergeant William Henry Kibby, 2/48 Battalion. The Defence Medal was granted for six months service dur
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action. William Kibby was born on 15 April 1903 in Winlaton, England and migrated with his family to A
1939-45 Star re-issue. Engraved on reverse with recipient's details. This 1939-45 Star was issued to Corporal John Bernard Mackey, 2/3 Pioneer Battalion. The 1939-45 Star recognises service in opera
