Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Corporal J. Hart, 1/5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment

Military Medal, G.V.R (2340 L. Cpl. J. Hart. 5/R. Suss: R.); 1914-15 Star (5-2340 Pte. J. Hart. R. Suss: R.); British War and Victory Medals (2340 Cpl. J. Hart. R. Suss. R.); together with a 5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment cap badge, minor edge bruising, nearly very fine or better (4) £400-£500

M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916.

John Hart served with the 1/5th (Cinque Ports) Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 February 1915. On 20 August 1915 the 1/5th Royal Sussex became the Pioneer Battalion of the 48th (South Midland) Division and joined them on the Somme at Hebuterne.

The London Gazette date for Hart’s M.M. indicates that it was awarded for gallantry on the Somme in July 1916 where his battalion saw action during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, the Capture of Ovillers and the Battle of Pozieres Ridge.
In 1917 they were engaged at the 3rd Battle of Ypres before transferring, in November, with the 48th Division to Italy. After the conclusion of hostilities they returned to England where Hart was demobilised on 16 March 1919.