Medals from the Collection of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

A Great War ‘Salonika’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Colour-Sergeant A. J. Ross, 7th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13225 Sjt: A. J. Ross. 7/Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (13225 Cpl. A. J. Ross. Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals, with small M.I.D. oak leaves (13225 A.C. Sjt. A. J. Ross. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) good very fine (4) £900-£1,100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. For a long period he has carried out most valuable patrol work, invariably showing complete fearlessness in action and being always the first to volunteer for any dangerous duties. On the occasion of one raid his gallantry and determination greatly contributed contributed to the success of the operation.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 June 1918 [Salonika].

The following extract is taken from the Memorial Record of the Seventh (Service) Battalion, O. & B.L.I.:

‘Snevce and the Vardar [Salonika] (May-Dec., 1917) - The Battalion was once more relieved by the 11th Worcesters on 1st December, but B Company returned to Crow Hill two days later to act as a Reserve to the 11th Worcesters while they raided Flat Iron and Diamond Hills. This raid, carried out by two Companies, was unfortunately unsuccessful, and resulted in a good many casualties.
It was then intimated that we should have to do a raid and capture prisoners who were urgently required for identification purposes. With this end in view Lieut. Boissier and a small patrol made two very careful reconnaissances of Flat Iron and Diamond Hills on the 9th and 10th December. On the latter date an enemy post at the foot of Flat Iron Hill caused the patrol two casualties; and Lieut. Thomas and 47 other ranks raided the post in question, captured one man and killed or put to flight the remainder of the garrison.
For this very successful exploit Lieut. Boissier afterwards received the M.C. Lieut. Thomas also particularly distinguished himself on this occasion, as did Sergt. W. Simons, Sergt. A. J. Ross and Corpl. J. H. Smith.’

Alfred J. Ross came from Stoney Stratford and served in France with the 7th Battalion from 21 September 1915, and afterwards in Salonika, where he won the D.C.M., one of only two such awards to the 7th during the Great War. Sold with copied research including a small group photograph, a cap badge and two enamelled lapel badges.

For the M.C. awarded to Lieutenant Boissier see Lot 153.