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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: BonnieDownUnder on Sunday 03 May 15 06:34 BST (UK)
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Hello,
William Ernest MAY, served 8th Field Ambulance, WW1, service # 7251
He was awarded the Croix de Guerre (Belgium) however there is no information on his file as to why this award was given.
It was listed in the Gazette London 12 Jul 1918 page 8190 position 57 and the Commonwealth Gazette No. 185, 27 Nov 1918 page 2262 position 54. But my attempts to source either of these has not been successful.
William was presented with the Award at the Sydney Domain, by General Sir W.R. Birdwood, on 6th April 1920.
Any assistance appreciated.
Thanks.
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Bonnie, from memory, my late (AIF) grandfather told me that General Birdwood was the chap who coined the word ANZAC. Can you confirm?
Do you have the following cutting?
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/120519493
Add
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/15864309 SMH 6 April 1920
In the early 1970s I attended, as invited guest (hat, gloves, frock, heels, etc etc) a ceremony at NSW Government House. Sir Roden presented various people with significant awards. The order of the presentations was as per the announcement in the press at that time. I wonder if the order as per the 1920 cutting indicates the order of the ceremony?
Cheers, JM
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https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30792/supplement/8190
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30792/data.pdf (AIF names start at page 8189)
7251 Private William Ernest May, Amy Medical Corps. (page 8190, second column, about half way down)
Cheers, JM
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https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1000142/
Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War
AWM4 Class 26 - Medical, Dental & Nursing
AWM4 Subclass 26/51 - 8th Australian Field Ambulance
William Ernest MAY, served 8th Field Ambulance, WW1, service # 7251
Cheers, JM
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Thanks JM
Sorry, don't know if it was General Birdwood, the person who coined the word 'ANZAC'. Now that would be an interesting to find out who did? - maybe start a 'topic'?
I too had the privilege of attending NSW Government House in the 1960's, during Sir Roden's tenure, being presented with my Queens Guide Award. The photos shows ladies wearing hats, gloves and their best finery, men dressed in suits - my Mum & Dad were so proud.
Thanks all the links, appreciated.
Bonnie
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http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/anzac-day/the-anzacs Birdwood's clerk !
"No one knows who came up with the term Anzac. It is likely that Sergeant K.M. Little, a clerk at Birdwood's headquarters, thought of it for use on a rubber stamp: 'ANZAC' was convenient shorthand. Later the corps used it as their telegraph code word."
Cheers, JM
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... and there you go, a lowly Clerk ;D
Well done, thanks Bonnie
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And a New Zealander !
https://inkeatsman.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/who-named-the-anzacs/
Something for your group to enjoy :)