The Julian Johnson Collection

A Great War ‘Battle of Gaza’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class 1 W. H. Cousens, 2nd/5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240009 C.S. Mjr: W. H. Cousens. 2/5 Hants: R.-T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (240009 A.W.O. Cl.1. W. H. Cousens. Hamps. R.) Victory medal officially re-impressed; Territorial Force War Medal 1914-18, naming erased; Defence Medal; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (240009 C.S. Mjr: W. H. Cousens. 5/Hants. R.); French Croix de Guerre 1914-1918, bronze star on ribbon, mounted court style for wear, good very fine (7) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Julian Johnson Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 11 April 1918; citation 1 May 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an advance. He carried out his duties with great ability and energy. His disregard of danger on all occasions was a splendid example and encouragement to his men.’

Croix de Guerre London Gazette 17 August 1918.

William Harry Cousens came from Eastleigh, Hampshire. He was mobilised in August 1914 and was immediately drafted to India, where he served on garrison duties for two years. In 1916 he was transferred to Egypt and later served in General Allenby’s advance into Palestine. He was awarded the D.C.M. and Croix de Guerre for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the battle of Gaza. Awarded the T.F.E.M. by A.O. 236 of August 1918. Entitled to the Territorial Force War Medal. With copied m.i.c., gazette extracts and other research.