Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and Russian Medal of St George group of five awarded to Private Percy Gunner, 1st and 8th Battalions, Somerset Light Infantry, who was killed in action in December 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9199 L. Cpl. P. Gunner. 8/Som: L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Som: L.I.) star sometime gilded; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. Som. L.I.); Russia, Empire, Medal of St George for Bravery, 4th Class, silver (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Somt. L.I.) impressed naming, together with Memorial Plaque (Percy Gunner) with Buckingham Palace enclosure and card envelope, medals unmounted, nearly extremely fine (6) £1,800-£2,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry, when he carried important messages under heavy fire. He has been previously recommended for his bravery and ability, on an occasion when he took command of his platoon after all the non-commissioned officers had been killed or wounded.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 February 1915 (Sir John French’s despatch of 20 November 1914, covering the period 11 October to 2 November 1914, and concerns the fighting that took place in the Armentières-Ypres area).

Russian Medal of St George, 4th Class London Gazette 25 August 1915.

Percy Gunner was born at Worplesdon, Surrey, and enlisted at Tregantle, Cornwall. He served in France and Flanders with the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry from 21 August 1914, later transferring to the 8th Battalion, with whom he won the D.C.M. and was killed in action near Armentières on 6 December 1915. He is buried in Chapelle d’Armentières New Military Cemetery.

Sold with copied research including D.C.M., M.I.D. and Medal Index Cards, and various gazette notices.