As a rule Medals Gone Missing will never sell medals or named militaria to any party, other than direct descendants of the subject medal recipient. After all, our sole aim is to return lost and missing war medals back to their rightful place.
However on rare occasions, Medals Gone Missing will assist in the sale of war medals for families which fall upon lean times. In doing so, we can then encourage the new owners to consider an option of selling the items back to the family should ever another family member come forward in the future.
IMAGE RIGHT: The 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal of Gallipoli veteran, William CORFIELD.
As a result, Medals Gone Missing is assisting in the sale of medals, militaria and empheria for two South Australians who served in two World Wars. One served at Gallipoli with the 27th Infantry Battalion and on the Western Front …. fortunately William CORFIELD survived the war. Tragically, the same cannot be said for 2/27th digger Percy THIELE who lost his life in the battle for Gona during December 1942.
IMAGE LEFT: 1914-1915 Star impressed with the name of Corporal William CORFIELD who rose through the ranks and was promoted to Lieutenant.
William CORFIELD enlisted into the AIF and departed Australia’s shores as a member of the 27th Battalion. His details are recorded on the First World War Embarkation Roll. A Corporal at the time of embarkation, his service number was 289 and he boarded HMAT Geelong on 31 May 1915. Serving on Gallipoli, William also saw action on the Western Front and was promoted through the ranks to Lieutenant. Subsquently, 1914-1915 Star is impressed:- 289 Cpl. W. CORFIELD 27/BN A.I.F. The British War Medal and Victory Medal are both impressed with the following details:- LIEUT. W. CORFIELD. A.I.F.
IMAGE RIGHT: Badges believed to have been associated with the service of Lieutenant William CORFIELD, Australian Imperial Force.
The second lot of medals relate to a South Australian who served in the jungles of New Guinea.
Percy Arthur Charles THIELE was born in Murray Bridge South Australia and joined the 2/27th Infantry Battalion during March 1941. He served in the New Guinea campaign and it is believed he served on the Kokoda Trail. Sadly he lost his life on 8 December, 1942 during the battle for Gona.
IMAGE LEFT: Photograph of Private Percy Arthur THIELE. His 2/27th Infantry Battalion colour patch can be clearly seen.
The medals which were posthumously awarded to Percy THIELE consist of the 1939-1945 Star and the Defence Medal. The Pacific Star and 1939-1945 are missing from the medal set.
Both sets of medals are accompanied by items relating to the service of the respective men. They are related to each other only by marriage and are not blood relations. Medals Gone Missing has been informed that the seller had little financial options but to sell the medals for the maximum price. As a result, these medals may be placed as two separate lots on eBay should a substantial offer not be forthcoming.
IMAGE RIGHT: The Memorial Scroll issued in commemoration of Private Percy Arthur THIELE, 2/27th Infantry Battalion.
Ideally, a collector of 27th Infantry Battalion and 2/27th Infantry Battalion awards will consider purchasing both medal sets and allow these items to be placed on public display in honour of all South Australians who have served.
IMAGE LEFT: The 1939-1945 Star of Percy Arthur THIELE and Defence Medal. As can be seen, the Star has the incorrect ribbon attached.
