Territorian

Military Medal For

WE have only recently been advised of the award of the Military Medal to Lieut. S. L. A. Ashton, who won the decoration a year ago during a patrol from the Finisterre Ranges to the Rai Coast of New Guinea. Here is the cita tion: “For outstanding work in the handling of natives, devotion to duty and personal courage on patrol through the Finisterre Ranges to the Rai Coast.

“In March, 1944, W/O (he since has won his commission) Ashton, a member of ANGAU, accompanied by native police, went forward with a patrol of Australian infantry through the Finisterre Ranges to the Rai Coast to contact the natives living in this Jap-held territory and to gain information of enemy strength and dispositions.

“On March 18, 1944, the patrol was attacked whilst at Barum by a platoon of Japs carrying MMGs and mortars. W/O Ashton was with the patrol and by his outstanding coolness and courage he was an inspiration to other members. • “With untiring energy and courage he contacted Tul-tuls of 11 separate native villages, and the Luluais of five native villages. By capable handling and ques tioning of the natives he obtained infor mation regarding the enemy which proved of inestimable value. His detailed reports and accurate interpretation of the native information was largely respon sible for the success of this patrol.”

Mr. Ashton lived in Papua for some years before going mining in the Man dated Territory; he enlisted in the first New Guinea contingent of the AIF and went overseas in May, 1940 —first to Eng land and then to the Middle East. When he returned to Australia he went to Milne Bay and was later seconded to ANGAU.

Lieutenant S. L. Ashton.