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Auction: 22133 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 318

The Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque issued in memory of Sergeant W. T. MacWhirter, 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance, who died of dysentery at Gallipoli

Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (William Tate MacWhirter), drilled to the 12 o'clock for hanging, otherwise nearly extremely fine

William Tait MacWhirter was born near Glasgow, Scotland on 26 December 1891 and educated at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, where he also served as a member of the Officers Training Corps. Travelling to Australia at the age of twenty his occupation is listed as Fruit Grower. On the outbreak of war MacWhirter joined the Light Horse Field Ambulance on 22 August 1914 as a Trooper he embarked with his unit aboard the Southern on 23 September 1914.

Serving on Gallipoli, MacWhirter was promoted Sergeant whilst there on 12 August 1915. He began to suffer with dysentery in November 1915, being taken to the hospital ship Galeka. He died here on 6 November 1915 and was buried at sea by the Ship's Chaplain. That same Chaplain wrote to MacWhirter's parents on 14 November stating:

'I saw him at frequent interval during the day. Almost always he seem to be resting patiently: & whatever I spoke, he answered in the same brave bright manner. His mates tell me that once or twice his mind wandered a little, and he was drilling his men. He was no doubt a real martyr to Duty in the highest sense.'

MacWhirter is commemorated upon the Lone Pine Memorial; sold together with copied service records, embarkation lists and Commonwealth War Graves entry as well as an original photograph of the Lone Pine Memorial.

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Sold for
£350

Starting price
£30