NZ-born soldier's Gallipoli VC selling

A Victoria Cross awarded to a New Zealand-born soldier who fought at Gallipoli is to be auctioned off by his ailing grandson.

A spokesman for Sydney auctioneers Bonhams and Goodman yesterday confirmed the VC, among seven medals won by Captain Alfred John Shout in World War I, was to be auctioned on July 24.

Captain Shout's elderly grandson has cancer and needs the money to help provide for his family, Bonhams and Goodman head of collectables Giles Moon told the Australian Financial Review.

Captain Shout, who emigrated from New Zealand in 1905, was described as one of Australia's most decorated soldiers to serve at Gallipoli.

Part of the 1st Battalion, 1st Division, Australian Imperial Forces, Captain Shout threw four bombs in the Lone Pine trenches at Gallipoli in 1915, killing eight Turks.

In preparing to throw a further three, he had his right hand blown off and suffered damage to his left eye.

He died aboard a hospital ship two days after being withdrawn, and was buried at sea aged 33.

He was one of only nine veterans to be awarded VCs for bravery at Gallipoli, with the other eight VCs donated, or on long-term loan, to the Australian War Museum.

The highest price paid at auction for an Australian VC was A$178,000 ($213,557) in 1999.

The issue of medal-auctioning created controversy in April when it was revealed the daughters of New Zealand's World War II hero Charles Upham planned to sell his double VC to an English collector.

Prime Minister Helen Clark described that proposed sale as "appalling", while Defence Minister Phil Goff said it would be a matter of "real public regret".

- NZPA