Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private J. Craig, Royal Scots Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal (16990 Pte. J. Craig. 2/R. Sc: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (16990 Pte. J. Craig. R. Sco: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (16990 Pte. J. Craig. R.S. Fus.) nearly very fine (4) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919:
‘During the recent advance east of Ledeghem from 14 to 17 October 1918, he displayed the highest qualities of gallantry, coolness and devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun fire. On 14 October, near Spark Farm, he rushed an enemy machine gun post single handed and bombed the crew who were holding up the advance on the right with their fire. This act was successful in silencing the gun, and he took five prisoners. Immediately afterwards he was wounded. Throughout his conduct was an inspiring example to his comrades.’

James Craig attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers and served initially with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 18 August 1915. He transferred to the 2nd Battalion, part of 28th Brigade, 9th (Scottish Division and it was while serving with this battalion that he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at Spark Farm, near Ledeghem on 14 October 1918.

On 28 September 1918 an allied force commanded by the King of the Belgians attacked on a 20 mile front from Dixmude to Ploegsteert Wood. Ninth Division with 28th Brigade on the right and 26th Brigade on the left attacked in the Broodseinde area and had achieved all of their objectives by 11:45 a.m. On 5 October, 28th Brigade with 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers in reserve attacked and captured the Keiberg Spur. The following day the battalion attacked at Rolleghemcapelle and gained its objective with 130 casualties. Then came the advance from Ledeghem to the Scheldt, the Lys being crossed on 20 October. At the cessation of hostilities on 11 November the battalion was in billets at Cuerne.

The Battalion War Diary gives the following account:
13 October 1918: Making up battle equipment and relieved 26th Brigade in left centre, w of Ledeghem: heavy shelling (HE and gas) on way up to line, about 50 casualties, killed, wounded and missing, relief complete midnight.
14 October 1918: Attacked under heavy barrage at 5.30am. Heavy fog delayed operations for about 1 hour near Rolleghemcappelle. Objective reached by about 2pm. Casualties: 2/Lt Clarke, Johnson, Kirk and Ronald wounded : OR 130, killed wounded and missing. Dig in on objective.
15 October 1918: Attack continued by 27th Brigade, 28th Brigade in reserve. Objective west bank of Lys reached in afternoon. Battalion moved in to billets at Capelle St Catherine.’

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