Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘Western Front 1918’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private S. Powner, 2/4th (Hallamshire) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was taken prisoner at Vaulx-Vraucourt on 2 September but escaped amid the confusion of a shell bursting amongst the escort party, dashed back to secure a Lewis gun and turned it with great effect on the enemy as he fought his way back to his Company

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (57911 Pte. S. Powner 2/4 York & Lanc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (35853 Pte. S. Powner. York. R.) mounted as worn, edge bruising, otherwise good very fine (3) £900-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919:
‘When only he and his section leader escaped becoming casualties, from the effect of the heavy barrage by the enemy on their trench, near Vaulx-Vraucourt, on the 2nd September, 1918, they were surrounded and made prisoners. A shell burst among the group, disorganising the escort. Private Powner, who had been knocked down by the explosion, dashed back with great courage and presence of mind, and secured a Lewis gun, which he turned on the enemy with great effect, and fought his way back to his company, where he carried on the fight with fine gallantry and determination.’

Sydney Powner was born on 22 September 1898, at Hanley, Staffordshire, son of James and Emma Powner. He attested for the Lancashire Fusiliers on 24 July 1916, by which time he was living in Cheshire, and was given the regimental number ‘12515’. Although at that time he would have been 17 years old he gave his age as 18 years 7 days and his occupation as a wagoner. There is no record of when Powner was first posted overseas but, on 30 April 1918, he was tried by District Court Martial for disobeying a lawful command from his superior officer and sentenced to 91 days detention. His sentence appears to have been rescinded for, on 29 June 1918, he was transferred to the 13th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, and given the number ‘35853’. From there he was again transferred, on 8 August 1918, to the York and Lancaster Regiment, with another new number, ‘57911.

Powner was awarded the D.C.M. for his actions with 2/4 York and Lancaster Regiment, near Vaulx-Vraucourt on 2 September 1918, during the attack on the Drocourt-Queant Switch line. He was then wounded in the arm on 14 September during the attack on Havrincourt, and evacuated to England via Rouen. On 19th November he was posted to the Tank command at Catterick and, on 6 January 1919, he was posted to the 3rd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, prior to his discharge and transfer to Class Z Army Reserve on 4 March 1919. In April 1921, at which time he gave his occupation as Farmer, he re-enlisted in the Army for 90 days emergency service and was discharged in July of that year. In 1927 he wrote to the Army record office requesting a reference for his time in the Army as he was looking to join the Police Force but it is not known if he was successful in this respect. He died in East Staffordshire in 1980.

Sold with copied research including record of service, gazette notices, D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, War Diary extracts for August and September 1918, and a small photograph of Powner in later civilian life.