Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1915 ‘Hill 60, Ypres’ D.C.M. pair awarded to Company Sergeant Major J. W. Mann, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 11 June 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7531 C.S. Mjr: J. W. Mann. 2/K.O.S.B.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7531 Sjt J. Mann. K.O. Sco: Bord.); Memorial Plaque (John Mann) light contact marks, very fine (3) £800-£1,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1915:

‘For gallantry, initiative and coolness on the 18th April, 1915, at “Hill 60,” when he handled his men with great ability at a critical time during the fight for possession of the hill.’

John Wilson Mann was born in Aberdeen. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers in the French theatre from 15 August 1914. Mann distinguished himself during the Battle of Hill 60, Ypres, when the Battalion ‘moved forward from Vlamertinghe 16th April. ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies took up reserve positions in Larch Wood. ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies took part in attack Hill 60 next day. Captain Stair Gillon notes in his book The K.O.S.B. In The Great War how the Battalion’s role for the day was to consolidate any gains made by the attacking Battalion - 1st Queen’s Own Royal West Kent. Major C. V. Molony, author of the 1st QORWK history ‘Invicta’ records - ‘Needless to say, the ‘Jocks’ were not going to allow their mutual friends to do an attack without taking a greater part than consolidating the position. When the Hill was taken, many were using their shovels and picks quite freely on the heads of the Bosche.’ ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies moved up later and held gains throughout night. War Diary records hand-to-hand fighting during German bombing attacks. Battalion relieved 11.30am 18th and withdrew to Vlamertinghe. Officers killed or mortally wounded - Captain T. P. Wingate, K. McDiarmid, R. C. Y. Dering and R. C. C. Campbell; Lieutenant H. A. G. Malet. Total casualties - 211 killed, wounded or missing.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front, January to June 1915 by R. Westlake refers)

The Battalion remained engaged in and around Hill 60, May - June 1915, including during the German recapture of the position in early May. Company Sergeant Major Mann died of wounds on the Western Front, 11 June 1915, and is buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium.