Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of nine awarded to Major J. A. Lasenby, Pioneer Corps, late Royal Horse Artillery, who was decorated for gallantry in 1918 as a Forward Observation Officer when the building he was occupying was demolished by repeated hits from artillery shells, he and his signaller only escaping by means of a rope

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914 Star, with copy clasp (55575 W.O. Cl. II. J. A. Lasenby. R.H.A.) later small impressed naming; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (2-Lieut. J. A. Lasenby.) later impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Delhi Durbar 1911, silver, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (9) £700-£900

M.C,. London Gazette 26 July 1918:

‘2nd Lt. James Arthur Lasenby, R.F.A.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as F.O.O. in action. Throughout the day he displayed the highest courage and resource, keeping in touch with the infantry and his battery, although the shelling was heavy and continuous, and the building, which was his observation post, was repeatedly hit and finally demolished, he and his signaller only escaping by means of a rope. The information he sent in was of the greatest value.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 November 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North-West Europe - Major J. A. Lasenby, M.C., Pioneer Corps.’ Great War M.I.D. not confirmed.

Delhi Durbar 1911 confirmed on the roll of “N” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, which notes that a replacement medal was issued in May 1934. Annotations on his Medal Index Card appear to indicate that replacement Great War medals were issued in September 1937.

James Arthur Lasenby served in France as a Bombardier, R.H.A., from 27 September 1914. Rising to the rank of Battery Sergeant-Major, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 21 February 1917, ‘for service in the field’. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 21 August 1918, and retired on 1 June 1920. Placed on the Reserve of Officers, he was transferred on 21 February 1940, to the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps and served with this unit in North-West Europe in 1944-45. He afterwards settled in New Zealand, residing at Somerset Place, Porirua East, and last had his nine medals mounted by the Disabled Serviceman’s Shop in Willis Street, Wellington, in August 1967. Sold with copied research and related ribbon bar.