Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. Maltby, 117 Company, Machine Gun Corps, late Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (72057 Sjt: H. Maltby. M.M. 39/M.G.C.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (72057 Sjt: H. Maltby. 117/Coy M.G.C.); British War and Victory Medals (25831 Sjt. H. Maltby. Notts. & Derby. R.) mounted as worn, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,800-£2,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During ten days’ hard fighting he several times covered the retirement of our infantry, inflicting such heavy casualties on the enemy that their advance was checked, and our men were given valuable time to reorganise a fresh line of defence. When the flank of the Division had become exposed, Sjt. Maltby brought up two guns in front of the line, under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and though he had only three other men to keep them in action, he directed such and accurate and crushing fire on the enemy that the threatened flank was saved and our infantry were able to extricate themselves from a dangerous position. Throughout the whole of the operations his unflagging energy, his coolness and conspicuous courage, inspired all those under him with confidence and steadfast determination.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘21-30 March 1918’.

M.M. London Gazette 14 January 1918.

Henry Maltby hailed from Breaston, Derbyshire, and served originally with the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment before transferring to the 117th Company, Machine Gun Corps. In March 1918 the 116th, 117th, 118th and 228th Companies were amalgamated into the 39th Battalion M.G.C. as “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” Companies respectively. Henry’s brother, Enoch Edward, served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and died of wounds on 26 September 1915.

Sold with several original photographs of E. E. Maltby’s grave markers, two news cuttings announcing award of D.C.M. with citation, Christmas 1918 M.G.C. greetings card, and post card photograph of Breaston from his mother, together with copied research including gazette and War Diary extracts.