Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘North Russia’ M.M. group of three awarded to Sapper J. F. G. Chinnery, Royal Engineers, for gallantry in joining an Australian attack on a ‘Bolo’ artillery position in August 1919

Military Medal, G.V.R. (344852 Spr: J. F. G. Chinnery. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (69422 A.2.Cpl. J. F. G. Chinery. R.E.) nearly very fine (3) £500-600

M.M. London Gazette 3 January 1920: ‘For bravery in the Field with the British Forces in North Russia - Archangel Command’.

Sold with rare original typed letter of notification for the award of the M.M., dated 10th September 1919, signed by Major-General Ironside, with citation which states:

‘For gallantry on the 29th August, 1919. This Sapper showed great dash and resource in joining in the Australian attack (as an infantryman) on the Bolo Artillery position at V. 440. The same afternoon, he assisted in the attack by Capt Dyer’s Russian Battalion, when he showed great gallantry.’

John [Jack] F. G. Chinnery, from Kentish Town, served with the Royal Engineers in France from 28 August 1915 and is entitled to the 1914-15 Star. He re-enlisted as No. 344852 and served in the North Russian Relief Force with 385th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Also with copied War Diary and other research.