Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Acting Sergeant J. Spiers, 5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry during a successful trench raid near Hebuterne in June 1918, during which he was ‘twice severely wounded’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (241756 A. Sjt: J. Spiers. 1/5 E. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (241756 A. Sjt: J. Spiers. E. Lan. R.) contact marks, otherwise very fine (3) £900-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a successful raid on the enemy’s trenches, he led the platoon of which he was in command through a very intense barrage of machine-gun fire to their objective. He was himself twice severely wounded, but would not leave his men, and collecting them with great coolness on the signal to withdraw, he brought them back to the lines, where he insisted on their wounds being attended to before his own were dressed. He showed fine courage and determination.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Nr. Hebuterne, 18/19 June 1918.’

James Spiers, a bank clerk from Acrington, enlisted in the Territorial Force on 17 November 1915. He landed in France on 24 March 1918, was severely wounded on 19 June 1918, and was demobilized on 28 February 1919.

Sold with copied research including Service papers, gazette notices, and War Diary entries including a full report of the trench raid.