THE VICTORIA CROSS AND CAMPAIGN MEDALS AWARDED TO CAPTAIN GEORGE INGRAM, 24TH BN, AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE, HAVE BEEN SOLD AT AUCTION.
27 May 2008


( select to enlarge )
Medal entitlement of Captain George Mawby ( Morby ) Ingram,
24th Bn, Australian Imperial Force

  • Victoria Cross
  • Military Medal ( MM )
  • British War Medal ( 1914-20 )
  • Victory Medal ( 1914-19 )
  • War Medal ( 1939-45 )
  • Australia Service Medal ( 1939-45 )
  • King George VI Coronation Medal ( 1937 )
  • Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal ( 1953 )


The Victoria Cross, Military Medal, and campaign medals awarded to Captain George Ingram, 24th Bn, Australian Imperial Force, have been sold at auction by Sotheby's of Melbourne for an approximate hammer price of AUS$383,760 ( £187,200 ). The purchaser of the group remains unknown but has indicated that the George Ingram Victoria Cross will be donated to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.


For the award of the Victoria Cross.

[ London Gazette, 6 January 1919 ], Montbrehain, France, 5 October 1918, Lieutenant George Morby Ingram, 24th Bn, Australian Imperial Force.

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on Montbréhain, East of Peronne, on 5th October 1918.

When early in the advance his platoon was held up by a strong point, Lieutenant Ingram, without hesitation, dashed out and rushed the post at the head of his men, capturing nine machine guns and killing 42 enemy after stubborn resistance. Later, when the company had suffered severe casualties from enemy posts, and many leaders had fallen, he at once took control of the situation, rallied his men under intense fire, and led them forward. He himself rushed the first post, shot six of the enemy, and captured a machine gun, thus overcoming serious resistance.

On two subsequent occasions he again displayed great dash and resource in the capture of enemy posts, inflicting many casualties and taking 62 prisoners.

Throughout the whole day he showed the most inspiring example of courage and leadership, and freely exposed himself regardless of danger.

George Ingram was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 15th February 1919.


For the award of the Military Medal.

[ London Gazette, 11 May 1917 ], Grevillers, Near Bapaume, France, March 1917, Sergeant George Morby Ingram, 24th, Bn, Australian Imperial Force.

For great courage and initiative as a member of a bombing section at Grevillers, near Bapaume.


In April 1919 George Ingram returned to Melbourne and on his discharge became General Foreman with E.A. and Frank Watts Pty Ltd, building contractors. During WWII he served with the Royal Australian Engineers and attained the rank of Captain. George Ingram died on the 30th June 1961 at his home in Hastings and was buried in Frankston Cemetery.

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Iain Stewart, 27 May 2008