| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL26420.005 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | c 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
French Medaille d'Honneur avec glaives (bronze) : Lance Corporal Hamilton Hollingworth McLachlan, 34th Battalion, AIF
Description
French Medaille d'Honneur avec glaives (bronze). Unnamed as issued.
History / Summary
Born at Bingara, New South Wales, 22 year old 2367 Lance Corporal Hamilton Hollingworth McLachlan, was working as a drover when he enlisted in the AIF at Inverell on 13 June 1916. After basic training he was posted to the 11th Reinforcements for 34th Battalion. He sailed from Sydney with his unit on 17 October, aboard HMAT A30 Borda. McLachlan undertook further training in England before joining his battalion at Armentieres, France on 30 April 1917.
In 1918 he was awarded the Military Medal for 'heroic action' on 8 August at Accroche Wood near Hamel, France. In early 1919 McLachlan was mentioned in despatches and also awarded the French Medaille d' Honneur (bronze), apparently for the same action 8th August, or one which took place later that month. The latter French medal was awarded to only twenty eight Australian servicemen.
McLachlan departed for Australia on 11 May 1919. Soon after his discharge he joined the New South Wales Police, with whom he served until his retirement. He died in 1974.