The Jack Russell Collection of Medals to the Gloucestershire Regiment

A Great War ‘1918 German Spring Offensive’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal E. Wright, 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, who was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry on the Somme during the German Spring Offensive of March 1918, during which he was captured and taken Prisoner of War; for his gallantry during the same action Captain M. A. James, also of the 8th Battalion, and who was also captured and taken Prisoner of War, was awarded the Victoria Cross

Military Medal, G.V.R. (15570 Pte. E. Wright. 8/Glouc: R.) housed in a contemporary Kenning, London, leather case, edge bruise, good very fine £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Russell Collection of Medals to the Gloucestershire Regiment.

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M.M. London Gazette 29 August 1918.

Edward Wright, a native of Cheltenham, attested for the Gloucestershire Regiment and served with the 8th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 20 September 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry displayed on the Somme during the first week of the German Spring Offensive, 21 to 28 March 1918. Captured and taken Prisoner of War, he was repatriated following the cessation of hostilities, and was discharged Class ‘Z’ on 11 March 1919.

For his gallantry during the same week, Captain M. A. James, also of the 8th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment (who was also captured and taken Prisoner of War) was awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 28 June 1918), his citation stating:
‘For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack at Velu Wood. Captain James led his company forward with magnificent determination and courage, inflicting severe losses on the enemy and capturing twenty-seven prisoners and two machine guns. He was wounded, but refused to leave his company, and repulsed three hostile onslaughts the next day. Two days later, although the enemy had broken through on his right flank, he refused to withdraw, and made a most determined stand, inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy and gaining valuable time for the withdrawal of guns. He was ordered by the senior officer on the spot to hold on “to the last”, in order to enable the brigade to be extricated. He then led his company forward in a local counter-attack on his own initiative, and was again wounded. He was last seen working a machine gun single-handed, after having been wounded a third time. No praise can be too high for the gallant stand made by this company, and Captain James, by his dauntless courage and magnificent example, undoubtedly enabled the battalion to be withdrawn before being completely cut off.’

Sold with a group photographic image of Cheltenham prisoners-of-War returned from Germany, in which the recipient is identified.