Orders, Decorations and Medals

A very good Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant G. H. Pye, 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, an early M.M. recipient, he was subsequently awarded a D.C.M. for gallantry at Guillemont on 21 August 1916 and taken prisoner of war

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8654 Sjt., 1/R. Fus.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (8654 Sjt., 1/R. Fus.); 1914 Star, with clasp (L-8654 Cpl., 1/R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (L-8654 Sjt., R. Fus.) minor contact wear, generally very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 20 October 1916 ‘For conspicuous gallantry in attack. Although wounded he twice attempted to take a message back under heavy fire. Being unable to do this he crawled back to the new position, and whilst his men were consolidating he effectually supported them with fire.’

M.M. London Gazette 3 June 1916.

George H. Pye served in France and Flanders with the B.E.F. from 7 September 1914 and was taken prisoner of war on 31 October 1916. Sold with copy of m.i.c. which confirms.

The following in relation to Sergeant Pye’s D.C.M. winning exploits is extracted from The Royal Fusiliers in The Great War, by H. C. O’Neill, OBE:

‘At Guillemont on 21 August 1916 the 1st Battalion had on this occasion two companies, A and D engaged with the 3rd Rifle Brigade on the left and the 8th Queen’s on the right. The Fusiliers advanced at 3:30pm. ‘Hill Street’ and ‘Brompton Road’ were the objectives. The 1st Battalion got away with great dash, and after a strenuous fight drove the enemy out of the trench in front of Hill Street; but the flanking battalions were both held up, and, although the Fusiliers pushed well ahead, it was necessary to withdraw to the trench already mentioned... The headquarters bombers did good service, and Sergeant Pye though wounded, volunteered to take a message to his company commander. He was wounded again as he returned.’