Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. awarded to Gunner A. Saunders, Royal Horse Artillery

Military Medal, G.V.R. (52578 Gnr: A. Saunders. J.3/Bde: R.H.A.) contact marks and light polishing, nearly very fine £200-£240

M.M. London Gazette 12 December 1917.

Arthur Saunders, a resident of Netherfield, served in France from 15 August 1914 with 3rd Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery. Attached to “J” Battery, his unit took part in the retreat from Mons and rearguard action at Bonnet, and witnessed extensive action at Loos, where Battery Sergeant Major L. J. Hansell won the Military Medal for putting out an ammunition fire in the heat of battle on 5 October 1917:
‘The enemy shelled the gun position from 8am till 7pm with 15cm howitzer and 20cm howitzer - the battery position was very much knocked about and number six gun pit had a direct hit on it completely destroying the gun and setting light to a good deal of ammunition.’

Interestingly, the Battery War Diary adds: ‘Sergeant Durham, Corporal Hansell, Corporal Butler, and Gunner Saunders awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action on the 4th and 5th.’

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