Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War 1918 ‘Battle of Vittorio Veneto’ D.C.M., 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. and ‘Italian theatre’ Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Sergeant J. Walker, 10th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13710 Sjt. J. Walker. M.M. 10/-S-Bn: W. Rid: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (13710 L. Cpl. J. Walker. 10/W. Rid: R.); 1914-15 Star (13710. Pte. J. Walker. W. Rid: R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (13710 Sjt. J. Walker. W. Rid. R.) mounted for display, generally good very fine (5) £3000-4000

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919 (details in 11 March 1920):

‘From 15th September to 4th November, 1918, he has shown the greatest devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety. During the attack on the enemy positions across the Piave on 27th October, 1918, he got the signal apparatus across the river, and under heavy fire supervised the laying of telephone lines and the establishment of communications.’

M.M. London Gazette 9 December 1916.

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 24 January 1919 (Italy).

M.I.D. London Gazette 6 January 1919 (Italy).

James Walker was a native of Sunningdale, Berkshire. He served with the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment in the French theatre of war from 26 August 1915. The Battalion served as part of the 69th Brigade, 23rd Division on the Somme, July - October 1916. The 10th Battalion suffered 419 casualties for the month of July, and were subsequently redeployed to the Ypres Salient.

Walker moved with his Battalion to the Italian Front in November 1917, and continued to serve as part of the 23rd Division in that theatre until 4 November 1918. During that time he was awarded two further gallantry awards and was Mentioned in General Lord Cavan’s Despatch for distinguished service between 26 February - 14 September 1918. Walker was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during the Battle of Vittorio Veneto 24 October - 3 November 1918, the decisive battle which ended the war on the Italian Front.