Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘November 1918’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Rifleman E. W. Bryant, 16th (County of London) Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles), London Regiment, for gallantry in a successful reconnaissance near Sebourg which enabled the enemy’s flank to be turned and the attacking troops to get forward

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (554368 Pte. E. W. Bryant. 1/16 Lond: R.); British War and Victory Medals (554368 Pte. E. W. Bryant. 16-Lond. R.) heavily polished and worn, therefore fair to fine (3) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1919; citation published 10 January 1920:

‘554368 Rfn. E. W. Bryant, 1/16th Bn., Lond. R. (Marylebone).
For gallant and valuable service near Sebourg, on 5th November, 1918. He volunteered to proceed through a heavy barrage and ascertain the position in front. He obtained the information accurately, bringing back urgent messages, and led his company through the village, enabling the enemy’s flank to be turned and the attacking troops to get forward.’

Ernest Walter Bryant hailed from Marylebone, London, and enlisted into the 16th Battalion (Queen’s Westminster Rifles), London Regiment, on 13 February 1917, aged 18, a shop assistant by trade. He served in France from 15 January to 21 December, 1918, and was discharged on 25 June 1919.

Sold with an original 56th (London) Division gallantry card, dated ‘17-11-18’ and named to ‘554368 Rgn. E. Bryant. London Regt (T.F.)’, torn almost in half; together with copied research including gazette notices, War Diary extracts and enrolment papers.