W.J.C.Harder, No 2096 enlisted 27.6.1916 age 19 years in the 3rd reinforcements 38th Bn AIF, embarked for England 25.8.1916, embark for France 20.12.1916, WIA 14.4.1917 GSW to back, rejoin unit 24.4.1917, transfer to 10th L.T.Mortar Battery 15.6.1917, hospital 3 days with diarrhoea then later 4 days with Debility, transfer back to 38th Bn 29.8.1917 and a month later detached to 10 L.T.M.Battery again, killed accidentally 24.2.1918. A report stated that on 24.2.1918 at 2 pm he was No 3 on a gun in the Warneton sector when a premature explosion in the barrel on the 26th shell killed him instantly. The letter/card to Mr J Pierce is the Father of George Frederick Pierce DCM. Refer Cat No 4136P for his service details, award and death. Part of the collection of William (Bill) Thomason, refer Cat No 4236P for more items..1) Single one sided card with black edge. On the front are two flags at the top in colour. .2) Envelope with black edging, postage stamped and a red one penny stamp, address hand written in black..1) No 2096, Gunner William James Carl Harder accidentally killed in Action France February 24th 1918. .2) On the front in ink “Mr Pierce Sebastion”sympathy, cards, military.

George Frederick PIERCE No 2839 AIF. The photo shows him wearing the award of the “DCM” which has been superimposed on the photo. George enlisted on 29.6.1915 age 20 years in the 9th Reinforcements 6th Bn AIF, embarked for Eygpt 9.10.1915, embarked for France 2.4.1916, Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1917, KIA Belgium 4.10.1917, no known grave. DCM award. For Conspicious Gallantry and Devotion to Duty. He took Command of his Lewis Gun Section in an attack and bombed an enemy Machine Gun post single handed and captured the Gun. He later carried ammunition to the front line through heavy barrages. He set a splendid example of devotion and courage. This photo has been cropped out of the original which had 3 soldiers in it. Refer Cat No 5459P This is the first item in a large collection that belonged to William (Bill) Thomason. Bill served in the RAN from 1947 - 1949. He was the Author of 3 books: "Marching On", Cat No 4821, "March to Ranau", Cat No 862 and "March to Waikato", Cat No 5289. Bill was a collector and ran a small Military Museum in View Street Bendigo for a time.Photo B & W, portrait of a soldier with studio background pasted onto a larger grey background with flowers, flags, kangaroo, emu and details under. On the cardboard, writing relates to the award of the “DCM”. The grey background has a darker surround and red stamp in the right hand corner.“No 2839 Pte G.F.PIERCE DCM (Infy)”photography, military, remembrance