A Collection of Medals to the York & Lancaster Regiment

A Great War D.C.M. for the V.C. action in 'Big Willie' trench during the Battle of Loos awarded to Private T. Jones

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, G.V.R. (18165 Pte., 1/Y. & L. Regt.) small edge bruise, otherwise nearly extremely fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the York & Lancaster Regiment.

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D.C.M., London Gazette, 16th November 1915. ‘For conspicuous bravery on the 29th September 1915 near Vermelles. Pte. Jones displayed the greatest bravery in continuing to throw bombs from our parapet although under constant and direct fire. The enemy had cut off the left flank and he helped to bomb them out and retake the trench. The whole action lasted six hours and nearly all his fellow bomb throwers were killed or wounded. His gallantry and devotion to duty were most marked.’

The Victoria Cross was awarded to Private Samuel Harvey for his bravery in supplying bombs to the bomb throwers in 'Big Willie' trench. He went backwards and forwards under intense fire and succeeded in bringing up no less than thirty boxes of bombs before he was wounded in the head. It was mainly due to his cool bravery in supplying bombs that the enemy was eventually driven back.