A Collection of Medals to the Devonshire Regiment

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., M.C. group of four awarded to Captain A. J. Honywill, Devonshire Regiment, late Royal Devonshire Yeomanry

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, suspension bar inscribed, ‘Capt. A. J. Honywill’, complete with top bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse inscribed, ‘Capt. A. J. Honywill’; British War and Victory Medals, small later type M.I.D. oak leaf (3381 Pte. A. J. Honeywill, R. 1-Devon Yeo.) note spelling of surname, mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £2000-2400

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

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D.S.O. London Gazette 7 November 1918. ‘Second Lieut. (Acting Captain), Devonshire Regiment. For conspicuous gallantry, skill and ability. He handled his company with great skill in face of heavy machine-gun fire, and captured two machine-guns which were holding up our advance. Later in the day he advanced with considerable tactical ability and captured 200 prisoners. He was later wounded in the capture of a village, in which he materially assisted. Throughout the action his coolness and good judgement were remarkable and worthy of great praise’.

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the defence of a bridgehead gave way, without a moment's hesitation he charged forward with the counter attack company, carrying those who had withdrawn with him. He and his men had to charge through a brook up to their waists in water, and over 100 yards in the open, against shell and machine gun fire, but nothing would stop him. He did splendid work'.

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 December 1918.

Albert John Honywill served as a Private in the Devonshire Yeomanry before gaining a commission in the Devonshire Regiment. He served in France/Flanders, 10 July-8 September 1916; 28 December 1916-28 March 1917; 17-28 November 1917; and 19 March-26 August 1918; and in Italy, 29 November 1917-28 March 1918. During the course of the war Honywill was twice wounded. Lieutenant Honywill was awarded the M.C. for his service in repelling the German advance at Nieppe, 16 April 1918. As an Acting Captain with the 1st Battalion, he was awarded the D.S.O. for his services in the vicinity of Achiet-le-Petit, 21 August 1918. The following day he was instrumental in sending out Lance-Corporal Onions and Private Eades to make contact with units on their flank. In doing so, Onions and Eades came upon a large number of Germans advancing. Placing themselves on their flank they opened fire. The German advance wavered and some hands were held up in surrender. Onions and his comrade advanced and found themselves in possession of some 200 German prisoners which were then marched back to the company commander. For his great gallantry in action, Onions was awarded the Victoria Cross. On the 23rd August, Honywill led an advance which resulted in the capture of Irles. In this action he was wounded.

Sold with some copied research including copied m.i.c. entries. The recipient was listed twice - as ‘Albert John Honywill, 3381 2/Cpl. 1/Devons’ and ‘A/Capt. Devon R.’, and as ‘Albert J. Honeywill 3381 Pte. R. 1 Devon Yeo.’ and ‘33251 Pte Devon. R.’ The second m.i.c. shows that medals were awarded to him with those details rather than those of the first m.i.c. which would have correctly shown his commissioned rank and the correct spelling of his name.