Australian Archbishop Daniel Mannix with Victoria Cross recipients from WW1

Lieut Joseph Maxwell VC, MC and Bar, DCM, who was the 2nd highest decorated soldier in the AIF during WW1 is seated far left in the front row...Distinguished Conduct Medal.'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This warrant officer took command of a platoon, and led it forward with great dash. On one of our strong points being heavily barraged, he went forward on his own initiative, and moved the men forward clear of the barrage, during which operations only one casualty was sustained. The action of this warrant officer undoubtedly saved many lives. Throughout the operations he carried out his duties with great skill and was a source of great inspiration by his splendid example.'..Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95..Date: 27 June 1918 ..Victoria Cross.'For most conspicuous bravery and leadership in attack on the Beaurevoir-Fonsomme line, near Estrees, north of St. Quentin, on the 3rd October, 1918. His company commander was severely wounded early in the advance and Lieutenant Maxwell at once took charge. The enemy wire when reached under intense fire was found to be exceptionally strong, and closely supported by machine guns, whereupon Lieutenant Maxwell pushed forward single handed through the wire andcaptured the most dangerous gun, killing three and capturing four enemy. He thus enabled his company to penetrate the wire and reach the objective. Later, he again dashed forward and silenced, single handed, a gun which was holding up a flank company. Subsequently, when with two men only he attempted to capture a strong party of the enemy, he handled a most involved situation very skilfully, and it was due to his resource that he and his comrades escaped. Throughout the day Lieutenant Maxwell set a high example of personal bravery, coupled with excellent judgment and quick decision.'..Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61..Date: 23 May 1919 ..Military Cross.'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While in command of a patrol he observed a party of about fifty of the enemy entering a disused trench. He attacked them with bombs and rifle fire, and then assaulted the position and captured a prisoner. He showed splendid initiative and determination.'..Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 165..Date: 24 October 1918 ..Bar to Military Cross.'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the advance at Rainecourt on 9th August 1918. Within thirty minutes of zero he was the only officer left with his company, but kept his men well in hand, notwithstanding machine gun fire, besides fire from an anti-tank gun and a battery of 77 mm. He was close to a tank which was struck by a shell and set on fire, and, though shaken by the explosion, he rushed to the doors and opened them in time for the crew to escape. He showed a fine example of courage and presence of mind.'..Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 67..Date: 3 June 1919 ..Archbishop Mannix was a staunch opponent of the attempts to introduce conscription into Australia...Australian Dictionary of Biography entry for Daniel Mannix: adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mannix-daniel-7478 ( http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mannix-daniel-7478 ) . ..(found on ebay)