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Auction: 22102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction VI - e-Auction
Lot: 486

The rare M.M. awarded to Private J. Blackie, 2nd Australian Auxiliary Bus Company, Motor Transport Army Service Corps

Military Medal, G.V.R. (M1-09171 Pte J. Blackie. 2/Aux: Bus: Coy M. T. A. S. C.), overall pitting and contact wear, nearly very fine

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918.

John Parkinson Blackie was born around 1872 at Paisley. Entering the war with 1st Base Motor Transport Depot, transferring at some stage to 2nd Australian Auxiliary Bus Company, Blackie was one of just 3 men from that unit chosen to be awarded with the Military Medal by Quartermaster General Travers Clarke. His statement reading:

‘The work performed by the Auxiliary Omnibus Park has, under trying circumstances during the battle which is still in progress, been excellent, and the recognition of the services will I feel sure stimulate all ranks under your command to even greater efforts should occasion demand.’

It was in no small part thanks to the speed and flexibility of the Omnibuses that the allies were able to respond quickly enough to contain the German Spring Offensive during the crucial months of March and April 1918. Blackie survived the war and had a family however his son of the same name was killed flying with 51st Squadron on 25 June 1943; sold together with copied research including a catalogue listing for an award to a similar unit, handwritten notes on the recipient, a London Gazette extract and an extract relating to the Auxiliary Omnibus Park.

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Sold for
£320

Starting price
£160