Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Advance on Jerusalem 1917’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Corporal A. Dunning, 1/8th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, for gallantry in the fighting at Burkah on 12 November 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (290843 Pte.-A.L. Cpl. - A. Dunning. Sco: Rif:) ; British War and Victory Medals (636 Cpl. A. Dunning. Sco. Rif.) medals unmounted, very fine (3) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 May 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the flank of his company became exposed during the attack on the final objective he, on his own initiative, brought his gun into action in order to cover this exposed flank, and succeeded in dispersing a hostile concentration, thus enabling a counter-attack on the flank to be anticipated. He handled his gun team with great boldness and resource.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Egypt, 12 November 1917’.

Alexander Dunning was awarded the D.C.M. while serving with the 1/8th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, for his actions at Burkah (Burqa) on 12 November 1917, during the advance on Jerusalem in Palestine.
In 1916 the 1/8th Scottish Rifles joined the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, initially engaged in the defence of the Suez Canal. They were engaged at Dueidar and then at the battle of Romani in August 1916, which cleared the Ottomans from the Sinai. By 1917 they were part of the force invading Palestine, taking part in the First, Second and Third battles of Gaza, Wadi el Hesi, Burqa, El Maghar, capture of Junction Station, the battles of Nabi Samweil, and the Battle of Jaffa. The campaign culminated in the capture of Jerusalem in December 1917.
In March 1918, together with the rest of the Division, the Battalion was transferred to the Western Front following the German Spring Offensive. On 23 June 1918 the Battalion left 52nd Division and were transferred to 103rd Brigade of the 34th Division. On the Western Front, they took part in the battles of the Soissonais and of the Ourcq (July 1918 ), and the capture of Baigneux Ridge during the Battle of the Marne and the final advance in Flanders, ending the war in at Halluin in France.

Sold with copied research including gazette entries, D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, campaign medal roll, and War Diary extracts for 1/8 Scottish Rifles.