Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. W. Plant, 230th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, late Lincolnshire Regiment, who was seriously wounded in 1918

Military Medal G.V.R. (800247 Sjt: J. Plant. 230/ Bde. R.F.A. – T.F.); 1914-15 Star (900. Cpl. J. W. Plant. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (900 Sjt. J. W. Plant. R.A.) toned, good very fine (4) £280-£320

M.M. London Gazette 23 February 1918.

The Recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy hostile bombardment of his battery an ammunition dump was set on fire. He proceeded with four men to put out the fire, working in the intervals of shelling, which was so intense that it seemed impossible for the party to escape injury. He personally dragged out the burning boxes of ammunition, and had the fire not been checked, very serious loss in ammunition and material would have resulted. His reckless determination to achieve this gallant act greatly impressed all who saw it.’

Joseph William Plant was born in Louth, Lincolnshire, in 1883, the son of William and Ethel Plant, and enlisted there in the 1/1st North Midland Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (Territorial Force) on 20 March 1912, having previously served in the Louth Rifles from 1901-05. He served during the Great War on the Western Front with the 230th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, and was awarded the M.M. in 1917 for gallantry while in charge of the 6th Gun Battery, 16 pnds. He was invalided out of the service after being seriously wounded in 1918.