Military Medal : Private J C Gaffney, 5 Machine Gun Battalion, AIF Accession Number: REL29322.001

Description

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Contextual Description

James Cullen Gaffney was born at Terowie, South Australia, in 1899. After cadet service with the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion (Militia), he joined the AIF in May 1916, as an 18 year old bank clerk. He sailed from Melbourne aboard the transport 'Medic' (A7) in December 1916, as number 507 with the 8th Reinforcements to 8 Machine Gun Company (5 Australian Division). In February 1918, this unit, along with 14 and 15 MG Coys, transferred to 25 Machine Gun Company, which was then reformed as 5 Australian Machine Gun Battalion. Gaffney was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry during 5 Division's capture of Peronne in September 1918. He returned to Australia in July 1919, but re enlisted during the Second World War, serving as S70357 with 2 Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps. The citation for the Military Medal reads as follows: 'From 1st to 5th September 1918 near PERONNE this man was a Section runner, and carried many messages under heavy shellfire. On the morning of 2nd September he volunteered to carry important messages forward. He had to proceed along the front line, and in the course of this duty was sniped at repeatedly. Machine gun and shell fire also made his task very difficult and dangerous, but he kept on steadfastly, delivered the messages, and returned with important information regarding the position on the flank. His conduct throughout was exceptional, and he set a fine example to his comrades.' Although Gaffney's medal is named to 5 Australian Machine Gun Company, this is evidently an error, the correct unit being 5 Australian Machine Gun Battalion.