A.I.F. 1917 ‘Ypres’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant L. A. Haines, 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, originally recommended for the D.C.M., and wounded on three separate occasions.

Lewis Arnold Haines was born in Diggora, Victoria, and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, 21 July 1915. He initially served with the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion and served during the Great War in the French theatre of war from March 1916. Haines advanced to Corporal and transferred to the 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion in August 1916. Haines was promoted to sergeant in March 1917. He was wounded in action on three separate occasions, 30 August 1916, 4 October 1917 and 13 October 1917. Haines was recommended for the DCM, with the original recommendation stating: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the vicinity of Zonnebeke east of Ypres during operations on the 4th October, 1917. Sgt. Haines showed initiative and coolness in allotting men their numerous tasks whilst under heavy barrage fire. Although badly wounded in the head he remained on duty until the completion of a communication trench between the two Divisional flanks. He also assisted stretcher bearers in getting wounded men over difficult country". He was subsequently awarded the Military Medal (L.G. 17/12/1917). After recovering from his third wound, Haines returned to his unit in February 1918, serving out the remainder of the war in the field.  He returned to Australia on the H.T. Warwickshire, 5 April 1919. In later life he resided in East Malvern, Victoria.

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4203A SJT: L. A. HAINES. I/AUST: Pr. Bn:); British War (4203 Sjt. L. A. HAINES. 5 BN. A.I.F.) and Victory Medal (4203 SGT. L. A. HAINES 5 BN. A.I.F.) mounted for display, surname partially officially corrected on BWM, generally good very fine.

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