The Jack Russell Collection of Medals to the Gloucestershire Regiment

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain A. M. Jones, M.B.E., 3rd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, late Rand Light Infantry, who was awarded the M.B.E. for his services as Officer Commanding, Lines of Communication, in German South West Africa in 1914-15; was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at High Wood on the Somme in August 1916 whilst attached to the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment; and was wounded by gunshot and shrapnel at High Wood on 8 September 1916

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (Lt. A. M. Jones 11t Infantry); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. A. M. Jones.) minor edge bruise to BWM, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

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.B.E. London Gazette 22 August 1918: Lt. Arthur Melville [sic] Jones, R. of O.
‘For services in connection with the Campaign in German South West Africa, 1914-15.’

The Recommendation, originally for a Military Cross, states: ‘Lieutenant Arthur Mowbray Jones, Reserve of Officers. For the ability and zeal exhibited by him in the execution of his duties as Officer Commanding, Lines of Communication, this officer merits special recognition.’

M.C. London Gazette 20 October 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry during operations. During continual heavy bombardments he kept up the spirits of his men by his fine example. During four nights he directed the digging of a trench only 60 yards from the enemy under heavy fire. He exposed himself fearlessly and set a fine example.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘High Wood, 20-27 August 1916.’

Arthur Mowbray Jones was born on 3 November 1867, the son of Colonel Arthur Mowbray Jones, sometime Adjutant of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, and served initially with the 4th (Militia) Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment. A metallurgist by profession, he was employed prior to the Great War in Australia from 1893 to 1904, that then in South Africa from 1904 until the outbreak of the Great War. Obtaining a commission in the Rand Light Infantry, he served with them in German South West Africa from September 1914 to July 1915, before proceeding to England, and was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment (Special Reserve).

Jones served on attachment to the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry on the Somme in August 1916. He was wounded by gun shot to both thighs, and by shrapnel to the arm, at High Wood on 8 September 1916, and was repatriated to England on 13 September. Twice hospitalised asa result of his wounds, he finished the War confined to light duties. He died in Johannesburg on 8 January 1929.

Sold with a portrait photograph of the recipient; and copied research.