Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 121
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C., D.C.M. group of five awarded to Captain C. H. Lewis, Royal Field Artillery
Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Lieut. C. H. Lewis. D.C.M. 119th. Bty. R.F.A. 1918.’; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (54513 Sjt: C. H. Lewis. 53/By: R.F.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (54513 Cpl. C. Lewis. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. H. Lewis.) light contact marks, very fine (5)
£1,800-£2,200
M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the officers of the battery were wounded this officer took command and, assisted by two new officers, led it with great success, moving several times and on each occasion coming quickly into action again in well-selected positions. A few days later, during a pause in a covering barrage , he made a forward reconnaissance and led his battery to a better position for recommencing the barrage.’
D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown great courage and determination on many occasions, repeatedly repairing wires under very heavy fire.’
Clifford Hugh Lewis was born in Cardiff in 1891 and attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Newport on 22 December 1908, having previously served with the Royal Horse and Field Artillery Special Reserve. He served with the 53rd Battery, 2nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery during the Great War on the Western Front from 11 September 1914, and had several spells in hospital with fever. In February 1917, he was granted additional pay whilst performing duties of Battery Rough Rider, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal the same month. A month later, on 16 March 1917, he received a commission in the field as Second Lieutenant.
In October 1917 Lewis suffered from gas poisoning and was hospitalised. Recovering, he was advanced Captain and was awarded the Military Cross. He returned to civilian life in 1919 in Peckham, London, but was recalled briefly between April and June 1921 due to a National Emergency being declared due to widespread strike action in Britain. He died in 1944.
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A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant F. C. B. Wills, 470th Field Company, Royal Engineers
Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. F. C. B. Wills.) lightly toned, nearly extremely fine (3)
£500-£700
M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy had broken through the front line trenches, this officer, with a small party of sappers, manned a support trench and held on with great determination, until both his flanks were turned and he was obliged to withdraw. He fought his way back, inflicting great loss on the enemy and delaying their advance.’
Frederick Charles Baker Wills was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the North Midland Divisional Engineers, Royal Engineers, on 9 November 1915, and served with 470th Field Company during the Great War on the Western Front from 28 January 1917.
123
A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain O. P. Taylor, South Wales Borderers, attached Trench Mortar Battery
Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Capt. O. P. Taylor. January. 1917’, in Royal Mint case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. O. P. Taylor.) good very fine (3)
£600-£800 M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1917.
Oscar Percy Taylor was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 1 August 1915 and served with the 12th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 2 June 1916. He transferred to the General List for duty with the Trench Mortar Battery on 24 June 1916, and was promoted temporary Lieutenant the same day. Awarded the Military Cross for his services with the Trench Mortar Battery, he was advanced acting Captain on 13 February 1917.
Sold with a photographic image of the recipient in South Wales Borderers uniform wearing the M.C. riband.
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