The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
British Empire Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
Walter Peeler was born near Castlemaine, Victoria on 9 August 1887. He enlisted in February 1916 and joined the 3rd Pioneer Battalion. He was slightly wounded during the battle of Messines in June 1917.
In October 1917 Peeler was one of several Lewis gunners attached to the 37th Battalion for the attack on Broodseinde Ridge. In the forefront, he led attacks against a series of enemy posts, eventually accounting for over 30 of the enemy. For his actions he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
During the Second World War, Peeler understated his age by 14 years and enlisted in the 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. After serving in Syria, he was captured with his unit in Java during 1942 and spent three and a half years as a prisoner of the Japanese. He was a Custodian of Victoria's Shrine of Remembrance between 1934 and 1940 and from 1945 until 1964. For his services with the Shrine he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1961. He died on 23 May 1968.
Peeler's British Empire Medal is preceded by the Victoria Cross and is accompanied by service medals for the First and Second World Wars, and coronation medals for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action. Walter Peeler was born near Castlemaine, Victoria on 9 August 1887. He enlisted in February 19
Studio portrait of 114 Sergeant (Sgt) Walter Peeler VC, 3rd Pioneer Battalion from Castlemain, Victoria. A 28 year old labourer prior to enlisting on 17 February 1916, he embarked for overseas as a pr
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Keith Payne was born at Ingham, Queensland, on 30 August 1933. He joined the Australian Regular Army in 1951 and was
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This British War Medal 1914-20 was issued to Lieutenant William Thomas Dartnell, 25 Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. The British
British Empire Medal (EIIR). Impressed around edge with recipient's details. British Empire Medal awarded to Robert Henry Walford, while serving with the Royal Australian Air Force, for his work fig
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
