Kokoda Historical maintains a small collection of memorabilia pertaining to Australian service and sacrifice in both the First and Second World Wars. Many of the items of the collection are loaned to various institutions with several items currently on loan to the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.
One recent addition to the collection is a gallantry group to Corporal William Henry James Devine who served on the Kokoda Track with the 2/2nd Battalion on the Australian advance through the Owen Stanley Range.
NX28926 Corporal Devine’s recommendation which was made by Lieutenant Colonel C.R.V. Edgar, commander of the 2/2nd Battalion and was endorsed by Brigadier J.E. Lloyd the commander of 16 Australian Infantry Brigade, Major General A.S. Allen, 7 Australian Division Commander and General Officer Commanding, New Guinea Force, Lieutenant General E.F. Herring.
The recommendation reads as follows:
Place: Templeton’s Crossing
Date: 20 Oct 1942
This N.C.O. showed great courage and coolness in getting wounded personnel back from the forward positions to the Coy. Aid Post.
Under heavy fire this N.C.O continued to collect the wounded. During the night 20/21 Oct. ’42, the Coy, although unable to get the wounded out to safety within the Coy perimeter defence he stayed with them in a forward position throughout the night 200 yards from the enemy positions.
His coolness and courage saved the lives of several wounded personal.
A full story will appear in our history section soon, however if anyone knows more information on William Devine or if you are a family member please get in contact with Kokoda Historical as it is a shame to see such an important medal group leave the possession of the family.
Kokoda Historical purchased this medal group from a licensed medal dealer.
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