Description
The Military Medal, George V, edge officially impressed “3958 PTE G.H. TREW. 2/AUST: INF:”
British War Medal, edge officially impressed “3958 PTE G.H. TREW. 2 BN. A.I.F.”
1939-45 War Medal, edge officially impressed “N65913 G. H. TREW”
1939-45 Australian Service Medal, edge officially impressed “N65913 G. H. TREW”
A fine WWI Military Medal at Passchendaele with the addition of Second World War campaign medals, despite not being an ‘action’ citation it is an interesting group nonetheless, particularly because his regiment was billeted at the time of his gallant act and was therefore likely on loan to another. Medals basically as issued and court mounted for display.
The Military Medal, promulgated by the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 110, dated 25th July 1918 and the London Gazette dated 28th February 1918. The original recommendation reads:
“For conspicuous devotion to duty during operations at PASSCHENDAELE East of Ypres.
On 6th November 1917 Pte. TREW acted as Company runner and when all other communications failed he successfully delivered messages to Battalion Headquarters on several occasions. The delivery of these messages necessitated his passing through two distinct enemy barrages of great intensity. He volunteered for the same duty later in the day but was ordered to desist.”
George Henry Trew, born on the 26th September 1894 in Trafalgar, Victoria, was the son of Mr Richard Trew and Mrs Ellen Annie Trew (nee Rowlings), and was a Sydney-based Clerk by occupation prior to his service. On the 12th August 1915 (per attestation forms, listed as 27th August in official records), George attested for the Australian Imperial Force for service in the First World War at the Holsworthy enlistment centre, New South Wales and was posted to the 12th reinforcements to the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion as Private 3958.
- Embarked 7th January 1916 aboard HMAT ‘Pennsylvania’, disembarked at Alexandria, proceeded to Marseilles, disembarking on the 4th April 1916
Whilst on the Western Front, George repeatedly disobeyed orders and received punishment with many occasions being recorded from April 1916 until early 1917. Of note, he disobeyed orders on the 29th April 1916 and was sentenced to Field Punishment No 1 – whilst in custody for his insubordination George managed to escape and was arrested again and subjected to Field General Court Martial on the 24th May 1916 where he was found guilty and sentenced to 2 months Field Punishment No 1. This was later reduced to 1 month by Brigadier General Graham Thompson following review.
- To England for furlough 5th October 1917, rejoined unit 25th October 1917
At the beginning of November 1917, the 2nd Infantry Battalion were in reserve and billeted at the Cavalry Barracks, Ypres, whilst many other Allied units, primarily Canadian divisions, were launching the final assault to capture the village of Passchendaele. On the 6th of November 1917, despite his battalion resting, George was on duty as Company Runner, likely attached to another unit or employed to maintain communications between the field and Brigade or Divisional headquarters, and was therefore involved in the final push to capture the village. As described in his citation, through heavy enemy barrages “of great intensity” George maintained communications and was recommended for the awarding of the Military Medal.
- Wounded in Action 24th June 1918 with GSW to left arm – at the time, the 2nd Battalion was conducting relief operations in the Somme valley sector, east of Amiens.
- Rejoined Unit 30th August 1918
George returned Australia on the 2nd of September 1919 and discharged from the Australian Imperial Force at Sydney on the 25th October – for his service he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He returned to civilian life as a Clerk and married Mrs Neta Margaret Trew. With the beginning of the second World War, George re-attested for service, enlisting at the Paddington enlistment centre, New South Wales into the Australian Military Forces, as Corporal and the service number N65913, serving within New South Wales for the entirety of the war.
- Promoted Sergeant 1st April 1940
- Promoted Acting Staff Sergeant 14th May 1943
Discharged from the Second Australian Imperial Force 2nd of May 1945, total effective days active service within Australia of 1115 days. Again, George returned to civilian life and later passed away on the 28th June 1960.
