Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant C. G. Alexander, 2nd South African Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2471 A. Sjt: C. G. Alexander. 2/S.A. Inf:); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sjt. C. G. Alexander 3rd. S.A.I.) good very fine (3) £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919 (citation published 2 December 1919):
‘During the advances from Beaurevoir to Maurois on 8-9 October 1918, he displayed great courage and resource. On one occasion, when the Division on the right were out of touch, he collected about fifty men out of a wood and pushed them forward to the final objective. Armed with a Lewis gun, he moved quickly from point to point and dealt with enemy machine-gun posts most effectively on several occasions. At the final objective, when all the officers but the company commander and all the senior N.C.O.’s had become casualties, he took over the duties of Company Sergeant Major, and was of the most valuable assistance to his company commander. His initiative and devotion to duty were outstanding.’

Clarence George Alexander was born in Cape Province in 1891 and attested for the South African overseas Expeditionary Force at Potchefstroom on 17 August 1915. He served with the 3rd South African Infantry during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 June 1917, before transferring to the 2nd South African Infantry on 15 February 1918, and was gassed on 25 March 1918. Recovering, he was promoted Corporal on 1 October 1918, and appointed acting Sergeant on 8 October 1918. For his gallantry during the advance from Beaurevoir to Maurois on 8-9 October 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was discharged on 22 August 1919, after 4 years and 6 days’ service.

Sold with copied service papers.