The Kenneth Petrie Collection

A Great War 1915 ‘Ypres operations’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private J. Coyne, 1/9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1489 Pte J. Coyne. 9/A .& S. Hdrs - T.F.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (404 Pte J. Coyne. A. & S. Highrs:); British War Medal 1914-20 (1489 Pte. J. Coyne. A. & S. H.) generally very fine or better (3) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying back into a trench a wounded comrade under heavy fire, and after having dressed his wound. He had to cover a distance of 100 yards to reach the trench.’

James Coyne served during the Second Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He later served during the Great War with the 1/9th (The Dumbartonshire) Battalion in the French theatre of war from 19 February 1915. In April the Battalion moved into Ypres, ‘Battalion records note that on 3rd May the line was shortened and the Dumbartons withdrew into Sanctuary Wood. Lieutenant A. D. McAnderson killed 8th. Enemy launched a bitter attack on the 10th, records the War Diary, followed by a furious bombardment and a cloud of gas. The Germans then came forward - ‘This was the Ninth’s day of glory and of death.’ Casualties over 300. Lieutenant Colonel C. B. Clark; Lieutenant F. R. H. Hutton; Second Lieutenants G. H. G. Birrell and K. J. Campbell among those killed. Relieved from forward area 17th and withdrew to billets near Poperinghe. Joined 10th Brigade, 4th Division and moved forward to La Brique sector 21st. Captain R. S. Findlay; Lieutenants J. C. Bonnar and J. Jackson killed 22nd. Another gas attack on 24th caused high casualties - strength recorded at 11pm as just 2 officers and 85 other ranks. Captain A. G. Brown; Lieutenant G. G. Chrystal among those killed. Amalgamated with the 1/7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 27th May.’ (British Battalions on the Western Front, January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers)

Further research indicates that the recipients of the various medals are father and son, and not all the same man.