Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A late-1918 ‘Final days of the War’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant L. E. Fraser, 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3-6947 Sjt. L. E. Fraser. 1/Devon R.); 1914-15 Star (3-6947 Pte. L. E. Fraser, Devon: R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-6947 Sjt. L. E. Fraser. Devon. R.) mounted as worn, very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920:
‘During the operations in October and November, 1918, as platoon serjeant he was several times in sole command of his platoon, and invariably led it with marked skill and gallantry. He has always been one of the right-hand men of his company both in and out of action.’

Leonard Edward Fraser hailed from Manor Park, East London, and went to France with the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, on 28 April 1915. He transferred to the Special Reserve on 10 March 1919, and pursued a post-war career as a successful player and cyclist with the “Elite” Football and Cycling Club.

Sold with County Borough of East Ham Certificate in Recognition of Services in the Great War’; various sporting and masonic awards, including a large silver cup, hallmarked London 1897, approx. 28cm x 14cm diameter, inscribed ‘Elite Cycling & Social Club 50 Miles Championship Trophy. Presented by A. M. J. Daley, Esq.’, on stepped ebony plinth with three silver shields inscribed to Fraser as winner in 1920, 1921 and 1922; six fob type cycling awards 1919-23, two in 9 carat gold, the remainder in silver; Royal Masonic Hospital Centenary 1942 medal in box of issue named to ‘Bro. L. E. Fraser; Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution medal in box of issue and envelope addressed to L. E. Fraser; and Royal Masonic Institution for Girls medal in box of issue and envelope addressed as before; together with two related photographs and copied research.