The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Australia Service Medal 1939-45.
This Australia Service Medal 1939-45 was issued to Private Benjamin Gower Hardy, 22 Garrison Battalion. The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during the Second World War.
Benjamin Gower Hardy was born at Marrickville, Sydney on 28 August 1898. The single 43 year old motor driver enlisted in September 1941 and posted as private N103951 to the 7th Garrison Battalion. On 12 February 1944, he was transferred to the 22nd Garrison Battalion stationed at the prisoner of war camp near Cowra, NSW.
At around 2am on the morning of 5 August, the Japanese internees staged a mass breakout and swarmed toward the Vickers Machine gun operated by Hardy and Private Ralph Jones. Both men refused to retreat and manned their gun until overwhelmed by the prisoners and killed. For their conduct, both men were awarded posthumous George Crosses. Hardy’s widowed mother died just days before the award of his George Cross was announced in September 1950. It was presented to his sister, Beatrice, by Governor General Sir William McKell in Sydney on 21 January 1952.
British War Medal 1939-45. This British War Medal 1939-45 was issued to Private Benjamin Gower Hardy, 22 Garrison Battalion. The British War Medal 1939-45 recognises 28 days full-time service in the
George Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details. George Cross awarded to Private Benjamin Gower Hardy, 22 Garrison Battalion. Benjamin Gower Hardy was born at Marrickville, Sydney on 28 Aug
Collection relating to the Second World War service of N103951 Private Benjamin Gower Hardy, 22nd Garrison Battalion, Australian Army, Australia, 1944-1951. Wallet 1 of 1 consists of a citation for
The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and oth
George Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details. Ralph Jones was born at Gorleston, England on 26 September 1900 and emigrated to Australia in the 1920s. He was employed as a labourer when h
Australia Service Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Australia Service Medal 1939-45 was issued to Major W Ruthven, 3 Garrison Battalion. The Australia Service Medal
