Full medal write up
MILITARY MEDAL, G.V.R. ‘155 SJT: J. R. GEDDES. 2/AUST: L.H.R.’
M.M.London Gazette 13 September 1918. The original recommendation states:
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. On the night of 1st May, 1918, he was in charge of 10 men who accompanied Lt King in the raid on enemy posts near ES SALT. He had to cover the most difficult ground in the dark and led his party in the assault with great coolness and daring. The raid yielded 5 enemy killed and 5 prisoners (including two wounded), 7 horses, one machine gun , 4,000 rounds of bullets and 10 rifles captured. The enemy squadron supporting the post fled in disorder. The conduct and determination of Sergt Geddes inspired the party and were largely responsible for the complete success of the raid. This NCO has done excellent work from GALLIPOLI onwards. He was Mentioned in General +++ Despatches for conspicuously good patrol work near SHELLAL 28/6/17’.
M.I.D. London Gazette 11 January 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For conspicuous gallantry near COZ EL GELEIB on 23/4/17 when in command of a half troop on an advance post to the Brigade outpost line (HISERIA to SHELLAL), a troop of enemy cavalry threatened to attack, but Sgt Geddes, taking one section with him galloped boldly at them to within close range and opened rapid fire. He displayed great dash and courage. Later, on 18th May 1917 when on patrol near HILL 410 a scout was shot close to a concealed enemy position, Sgt Geddes galloped forward to rescue him but found him dead. He removed personal effects and endeavoured to bring body back but was prevented by heavy enemy fire- a bullet passing through his bandolier.’
155 Sergeant James Robinson Geddes, originally from Scotland, immigrated to Australia in youth and attended public School in New South Wales. At the age of 15 he enlisted in 2nd South Africa Light Horse during the Boer War and served nearly 2 years (medals and 5 clasps). At the outbreak of WW1, he was noted as a 31 year old sailor and enlisted into the ‘A’ Squadron, 2nd Light Horse Regiment on 31 August 1914. His next of Kin is given was his Aunt, Mrs Gibb, 99 Regent Street, Sydney, New South Wales.
Promoted Corporal 8 May 1915, he landed in Gallipoli on 12 May 1915 and was wounded in action ‘Gunshot Wound R thigh’ 7 August 1915, during the costly attacks from Quinn’s Post. Returning to duty 29 September 1915, the Regiment left the peninsular in December 1915. Promoted Sergeant 1 January 1916, the 2nd Light Horse joined the ANZAC Mounted Division in Egypt and went on to serve with distinction during the Sinai and Palestine campaigns, as did Sergeant Geddes who was Mentioned in Despatches for his bravery on two occasions in April and May 1917, and decorated with the Military Medals for his gallantry during a daring raid let by Lieutenant King in May 1918.
Sergeant Geddes was Killed in Action during a major German attack at Abu Tellul on 14 July 1918. Here the 2nd Light Horse fought off a determined attack on their positions but with significant loss. Geddes’s troop under Lieutenant King was all but wiped out, gallantly defending their post, indeed every man was either killed or wounded. The 14 July attack cost the enemy at least 105 dead and 45 wounded (these being found within the Australian-held ground), and as well 425 prisoners were taken; 358 of the latter were Germans. This was, in fact, the only time in which the Asia Corps was known to have carried the primary role in an attack, or - as the Official History puts it – the German infantry was used as 'stormtroops' in Palestine. As well, 41 machine-guns were taken from the enemy as a result of the action. Australian losses amounted to 31 killed and 46 wounded.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Abu_Tellul
Sergeant Geddes is buried Jerusalem War Cemetery Palestine and interestingly his grave is featured in the superb Australian documentary ‘Beyond Beersheba’ (at 5:27):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_br0oGt1a8k&list=PL71FA1CFE21F44144&index=8
More details of the raid for which Geddes was MID’s can be found from the Military Cross recommendation for his troop commander, Lieutenant Kenneth King……………
SEE PDF FOR FULL WRITE-UP
During WW1 members of the 2nd Light Horse was Awarded 14 MM’s and 27 MID’s, 3 men (including Geddes) were awarded both MM and MID.
Condition GVF, some contact wear. Sold with a good deal of digital research, including service papers, citations, War Diary entries etc.
A superb and rare Light Horse double gallantry award.