Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant, later Second Lieutenant, H. J. Francis, 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (370625 Sjt: H. J. Francis. 2/8 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2361 Sjt. H. J. Francis 8-Lond. R.) with named card boxes of issue for last two, photograph of recipient in uniform, contemporary typed copy of citation and the following medals: St. John Ambulance Association Re-Examination Cross, bronze, reverse engraved ‘A32764 Harry J Francis’; The Colonel Morris Memorial Cup Prize Medal, 9ct. gold, reverse engraved ‘West Central Postal 1920-21 H J Francis’; Battalion Football Prize Medal, reverse engraved ‘Football League Cup 1915-6 Winner C. Coy Cpl. H. J. Francis’; London Postal Lawn Tennis Association Prize Medal, reverse engraved ‘1st Div. 1921 H. J. Francis.’; a Battalion Prize Medal, unnamed and a Chess Prize Medal, reverse engraved ‘Phoenix Chess Club Championship 1925 H. J. Francis’, generally good very fine (lot) £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 19 November 1917 (citation appearing in London Gazette 6 February 1918):

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When all the officers became casualties he at once took command of the company and led them to the capture of the objective. He reorganised and consolidated the position and showed the greatest ability in his dispositions. He displayed splendid qualities of courage and leadership.’

Harry J. Francis was a native of Parsons Green. He served during the Great War as a Sergeant with the 8th (City of London) Battalion (Post Office Rifles), London Regiment on the Western Front. Francis was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Reserve of Officers, 18 February 1919.

1 of 24 D.C.M.’s awarded to the Battalion for the Great War.