A Great War ‘Fampoux, April 1917’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Colour-Sergeant J. Connell, 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, for gallantry on the first day of the battle of Arras

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6667 Sjt: J. Connell. 1/E. Lanc: R.); 1914 Star (6667 Pte. J. Connell. 2/E. Lan: R.); British War and Victory Medals (6667 C. Sjt. J. Connell. E. Lan. R.) medals unmounted, very fine or better (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of the remainder of his platoon and carried on with the consolidation. His fine example under heavy fire was of the greatest value at a critical time.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘North of Fampoux, 9 April 1917’.

John Connell served in France and Flanders from 20 October 1914, initially with the 2nd and later with the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. He won the D.C.M. for gallantry north of Fampoux on 9 April 1917, the first day of the battle of Arras.

Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, annotated Gazette, and War Diary entries.