The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson was a school teacher working in Grafton before he enlisted in the AIF in August 1916. Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in 26 Infantry Battalion, he sailed for France on the troopship 'Commonwealth' (A73) with the 10th Reinforcements to the unit in March 1916. Neeson quickly became known to his men as 'Granny', due to his interest in their welfare, but was known to his fellow officers and superiors as 'Gordon'. Within four months of his departure from Australia, he was involved in the savage fighting at Pozieres, on the Somme, and on 29 July he was severely wounded in the head while attacking enemy positions. For his gallantry in this action he was recommended for the Military Cross, but his wound was so serious that he was not initially expected to survive. Evacuated to the Duchess of Westminster's Hospital in Paris, and thence to England, suffering from partial paralysis of the right arm and hand, Neeson was operated on by the King's surgeon, who removed fragments of skull from his brain and inserted a silver plate into the hole in his skull. He made a full recovery in time to receive his award of the MC personally from the King on 4 November 1916. Despite his recovery, Neeson was not considered fit for further military service, and he was repatriated to Australia in 1917, returning to his pre war occupation. Known in later life (as he had been in the army) as Gordon Neeson, he died in 1958.
Discharged Returned Soldier Badge, impressed reverse with serial number '2858'. A length of British War Medal ribbon has been sewn onto the reverse of the badge. Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson
Collection relating to the First World War service of Second Lieutenant Percival Gorman Neeson MC, 26 Battalion, France, 1916. Wallet 1 of 1 - Consists of three letters, a radiographer's report, and
Studio portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Percival Gorman Neeson MC, after receiving his Military Cross (MC) from the King at Buckingham Palace. He enlisted in August 1916 and was commissioned as a Second Li
Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer's sword and leather scabbard. The blade is etched on the right side with the Royal Coat of Arms and a small panel with the initials of PN (Percival Neeson). On the left s
Small leather pistol holster used by 2nd Lieutenant P G Neeson. The holster has a large flap which would have been closed by a 'D' ring and tongue fastening, the ring of which is now missing. The flap
Silver War Badge with impressed serial number 'A1337' on reverse. The badge is circular with the words 'FOR KING AND EMPIRE SERVICES RENDERED' around the rim, and a voided cypher and crown of King Geo
Gilded sweetheart style brooch with cypher of King George V and safety pin clasp. The reverse of the King's Crown is stamped with the word 'GILT'. Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson was a school t
Gilded sweetheart style brooch with cypher of King George V and safety pin clasp. The reverse of the King's Crown is stamped with the word 'GILT'. Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson was a school t
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipients details. Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson was a languages teacher working in Grafton before he enlisted in the AIF in August 1916
Discharged Returned Soldier Badge, impressed reverse with serial number '2858'. A length of British War Medal ribbon has been sewn onto the reverse of the badge. Born in 1888, Percival Gorman Neeson
Silver War Badge with impressed serial number 'A1337' on reverse. The badge is circular with the words 'FOR KING AND EMPIRE SERVICES RENDERED' around the rim, and a voided cypher and crown of King Geo
Small leather pistol holster used by 2nd Lieutenant P G Neeson. The holster has a large flap which would have been closed by a 'D' ring and tongue fastening, the ring of which is now missing. The flap
Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer's sword and leather scabbard. The blade is etched on the right side with the Royal Coat of Arms and a small panel with the initials of PN (Percival Neeson). On the left s