Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal W. J. Taylor, 42nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was wounded by gun shot to the left leg on 12 November 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (192830 Pte. -L.Cpl.- W. J. Taylor. M.M. 42/Can: Inf:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (192830 L.Cpl. W. J. Taylor. 42/Can: Inf:); British War and Victory Medals (192830 L.Cpl W. J. Taylor. 42-Can. Inf.) the first three housed in a fitted leather case, the last loose, traces of verdigris to VM, minor edge bruising, otherwise nearly extremely fine (4) £3,000-£4,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a Lewis gun team which took part in the capture of an enemy strong point. He kept his gun in action with great success, and beat off determined counter-attacks by the enemy. He showed splendid courage and determination.’

M.M. London Gazette 16 August 1917.
The original Recommendation, dated 29 June 1917, states: ‘In the vicinity of Avion, south west of Lens, during a successful raid on the night of 8-9 June 1917 in which 9 Officers and 420 other ranks of this Battalion took part, Lance-Corporal Taylor, while in charge of a Lewis Gun, did excellent work by engaging and putting out of action an enemy machine gun which threatened to hold up our right flank. After gaining our objective he lost no time in getting his gun into position and opened fire on a party of Germans in front of our position, inflicting heavy casualties. His promptness and disregard of danger saved is many lives.’

William John Taylor was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, on 16 October 1892, and having emigrated to Canada attested for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Toronto, Ontario, on 23 September 1915. Initially posted to the 92nd Battalion, he arrived in England on 29 May 1916, and served with the 42nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 28 August 1916. Awarded both the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal, he was wounded by gun shot to the left leg on 12 November 1917, and was admitted to Keighly War Hospital two days later. Returning to Canada in September 1918, he was discharged on 31 October 1918.

Sold with a Royal Highlanders cap badge; and copied record of service and other research.