Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Somme’ M.M. and 1917 ‘Bullecourt’ Second Award Bar awarded to Private A. Bunce, South Staffordshire Regiment, whose M.M. was given in recognition of gallant conduct during operations between 1 - 5 July 1916

Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (19225 Pte. A. Bunce. 1/S. Staff: R:) darkly toned, pawn broker’s mark to edge at 9 o’clock, very fine £600-800

Provenance: Spink, July 2010.

M.M. London Gazette 10 August 1916.

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 18 July 1917.

Alfred Bunce was born in Tipton, Staffordshire. He was employed as a Canal Boatman, and served with the 3rd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment prior to the outbreak of the Great War.

Bunce served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, in the French theatre of war from 29 November 1915. The Battalion served as part of the 91st Brigade, 7th Division, on the Somme and were in action from 1 July to the third week of September 1916. They were heavily engaged on the First Day of the Somme when they led the assault on Mametz; and also engaged in the attack on High Wood (14 July) and the attack on Delville Wood (31 August).

The Battalion War Diary gives Bunce as amongst those who were awarded the M.M. for operations between 1 - 5 July 1916. It also records him as being presented with his M.M. medal ribbon by the Corps Commander in a field, north of the Meteren-Fletre Road, 5 November 1916. The Battalion War Diary lists his Second Award Bar as being ‘awarded during the month for operations against Bullecourt [12 - 15 May 1917].’

During the above attack on Bullecourt, the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment, suffered casualties of 2 officers killed and 7 wounded; 37 other ranks killed, 107 wounded and 27 missing. Bunce was discharged 14 December 1918.

Sold with a file of copied research, and a CD with relevant War Diary entries on it.