Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant J. Christie, 103rd Howitzer Battery, 2nd Brigade Australian Field Artillery, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action 6 August 1916, and gassed 16 August 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2183 Sjt: J. Christie. 2/Bde: Aust: F.A.) light pitting, therefore very fine £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Near Ypres on 31st July 1917, during the advance of the Battery to a new position, three horses which he was riding were killed by enemy shell fire. In spite of the continual heavy shelling, he immediately replaced these casualties from horses that were packing ammunition, and got his gun into action in the new position. He showed remarkable coolness throughout, and set a fine example to his men.’

John Christie was born in Bavie, Scotland, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, at Broad Meadows, Victoria, Australia, 8 September 1914. He advanced to Corporal in January 1915, and served with the 3rd Brigade Australian Field Artillery in the Gallipoli theatre of war from October 1915. Christie transferred to the 103rd Howitzer Battery, 2nd Brigade Australian Field Artillery, and served with them in the French theatre of war from March 1916.

Christie was wounded in action, 6 August 1916, and advanced to Sergeant in January of the following year. Christie was gassed, 16 August 1917, and returned to Australia in March 1918. He was discharged ‘medically unfit’ 4 April 1918, and died aged 76 in Ivanhoe, New South Wales.