WORLD WAR I - AUSTRALIAN VICTORIA CROSS
Finely presented manuscript testimonial of gratitude given to Capt. William John Symons, V.C. 'from the Citizens of Brunswick... [for] fighting with your Australian Comrades throughout all those dark and terrible days and nights against tremendous odds on the Gallipoli Peninsula', made by Arnhall & Jackson of Melbourne, manuscript bi-folium, left side with an oval gelatin silver photo portrait of Symons surrounded by depictions of his Victoria Cross (recto and verso) and 'The Flags for Liberty' above the manuscript address of gratitude and printed text of the Official Despatch citing the action for which Symons was awarded the V.C., the facing page continuing the address (in black and purple ink) with printed text of John Sandes' poem 'Landing in the Dawn', and the signatures of the Mayor of Brunswick and eleven other councillors and officials, both sheets with hand-painted decorative borders featuring Golden Wattle, the Australian symbol of remembrance; also of flowers, foliage, the Union Jack and Australian flag, etc., the covers in full brown morocco elaborately decorated with brown, red, black, green, tan and white morocco inlays and gilt tooling, the upper cover with all over strap design centred on a central dedication panel ('To Capt. William J. Symons, V.C...') beneath Australian Blue and Red Ensign flags accompanied by a kangaroo and ostrich, lower cover with the 'Colours of the 60th Infantry, A.F.', red linen 'bookmark' gilt lettered 'Capt. W.J. Symons V.C. For Valour' with gilt tassels at end (detached) loosely inserted, folio (450 x 340mm.), Brunswick, 13 May 1916
Footnotes:
FINELY BOUND MANUSCRIPT TESTIMONIAL PRESENTED TO AUSTRALIAN VICTORIA CROSS RECIPIENT CAPTAIN WILLIAM JOHN SYMONS BY THE CITIZENS OF BRUNSWICK. 'We are proud of you, and know that you have richly earned this high distinction by your cool self-possession, courage, resource and high resolve in your hand-to-hand encounter with the Turks, who are born fighters... We shall never forget the occasion which won for you the Victoria Cross, when you and your gallant little band of Australian Heroes were sent out on what appeared to be a forlorn hope...'.

Captain W.J. Symons (1889-1948) was born at Eaglehawk (where there is a memorial to him). He later lived and worked at Brunswick, Melbourne prior to serving for eight years in the militia (5th and 60th battalions). At the outbreak of the First World War he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, landing with his battalion at Gallipoli on 25 April. 'About 5 a.m. on 9 August the Turks made a series of determined attacks on Jacob's Trench at Lone Pine where six Australian officers were killed or severely wounded. Learning that the position had been overrun, Lieutenant-Colonel Harold 'Pompey' Elliott ordered Symons to retake the trench. 'I don't expect to see you again', he said, 'but we must not lose that post' (A. Staunton, Australian Dictionary of Biography). Symons led the counter attack at Lone Pine, Gallipoli for which, together with six of his Australians comrades, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition of his 'conspicuous gallantry'.

Having received his V.C. from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 4 December Symons returned to Brunswick to a heroes' welcome. This magnificently presented testimonial was presented to him at a lavish 'welcome home' banquet hosted by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Madden held in May 1916. A copy of an original photograph (retained by the vendor) of the banquet is included in the lot. His medal group is displayed at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

Provenance: Captain W.J. Symons, V.C.; by descent to the present owner.