Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front, September 1917’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant J. Easton, 18th (Arts and Crafts) Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was discharged due to wounds

Distinguished Conduct Medal (C-6041 Sjt: J. Easton. 18/K.R.R.C.); British War and Victory Medals (C-6041 Sjt. J. Easton. K.R. Rif. C.) mounted for display, contact marks, otherwise very fine or better (3) £900-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 19 November 1917; citation published 6 February 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. By his coolness under heavy fire he succeeded in overcoming an enemy strong point and captured and consolidated his objective. The company was heavily bombarded, and the remaining officers were killed. He took command of the company and held the position against enemy counter-attacks and intense bombardment. He displayed magnificent courage and energy.’

The K.R.R.C. Chronicle for 1917 shows D.C.M. awarded for gallantry during the operations in September 1917, when the 18th Battalion was involved in the ‘affair at Shrewsbury Forest, September 20th.’

John Easton was a native of Romford, Essex, and enlisted into the K.R.R.C. on 15 June 1915. He served with the 18th Battalion which ‘sailed for France May 1916, serving in the 41st Division, and was present at the Capture of Flers during the Battle of the Somme. In 1917 they experienced severe fighting at the Battle of Messines, and the affair at Shrewsbury Forest, September 20th and in November were moved to the Italian Front, and took part in the heavy operations on the Piave. In March 1918 they returned to France, and suffered heavily in the March Retreat, there being only 80 survivors of a Battalion previously 900 strong.’ Sergeant John Easton was awarded the Silver War Badge (No. B235860) and was discharged due to wounds on 21 June 1919.

Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, gazette notices, 1917 Chronicle entries, and Battalion War Diary entries for June and September/October 1917.