for the most conspicuous bravery on the morning of 31st August 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavenes, near Perone. When two companies were held up by machine gun from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire, He shot three of the of the team and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. His gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination and courage of the highest order.

London Gazette 14th December 1918. Page 14779 Position 2.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 23rd of May 1919. Page 886 Position 2.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Morshead, who, in the Second World War was to rise to he rank of Lieutenant General and to be knighted, described how Cartwright had shot the three machine-gunners after advancing and firing his rifle from the shoulder with obvious calm and careful aim "in the face of the most withering fire". He added that, immediately following cartwright's actions:- "the whole battalion stood up, vociferously cheered him and renewed the attack with the greatest of vigour and determination". He concluded:-To have cleaned such a stronghold as Road Wood with so few men seems incredible. Two days later we actually counted 120 dead Germans in the Road Wood".

Whilst Cartwright was unscathed in this subsequent action he was again Wounded in Action on the 30th september, when he received Severe Gun-Shot Woundes to the head and Left Arm. He was evacuated to England and was not released from Hospital until the 10th of January 1919.

George Received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham on the 8th March 1919. On the 31st of March 1919 he embarked on board the "Khyber" and disembarked in Sydney on the 14th May 1919 and was discharged from the AIF on the 1st July 1919.

October 2009. Status International, Sydney, New South Wales.

Lot: 9682 Reserve: A$1500 (US$1313) (€897) (£824) Estimate: A$2000 (US$1750) (€1196) (£1098) Description: 1918 Victoria Cross. The original Ribbon Colour Bar & miniature bronze VC Device of 726 Private George Cartwright, VC, 33rd Infantry Battalion, AIF. Born 09.12.1894 South Kensington, London, resident at Inverell, NSW, on enl 19.12.1915. 'C' Coy, 33rd Bn AIF. To France 26.11.1916. Wounded in Action 09.06.1917, WIA (2nd occasion) 19.04.1918, WIA (3rd occasion) 02.10.1918. Awarded Victoria Cross per LG 14.12.1918, pg 14779 for 31 Aug 1918 (CG#61 23.05.1919). Citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the morning of the 31st August, 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine gun fire, from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation, Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team, and having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. This gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination, and courage of the highest order." Returned to Australia & disch 31.03.1919, re-enl (Merrylands, NSW) 05.03.1940. Captain with 1st Aust INF BTN, disch 10.05.1946. Died Sydney 1978. Medals in Imperial War Museum, London. This is the original ribbon & device worn on his uniform upon return from overseas and before the issue of his Campaign and Coronation Medals. It was given by him to a 'lady admirer' c/1919-1920. Provenance by descent. Together with an original newspaper clipping of award to Cartwright and small box which it has been stored. With copies of full archive file and some research. As worn with stitched on brooch fitting to reverse - device attached via thread holes at 9 and 3 o'clock. gVF. Extremely scarce. (P)

Bid number: A13403