Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Egypt’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. Gray, Royal West Kent Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches and killed in action in Egypt on 18 January 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (203270 Cpl. J. Gray. 2/4 R.W. Kent R. -T.F.); 1914-15 Star (TF-2592. Pte. J. Gray. R.W. Kent. R.); British War and Victory Medals (TF-2592 Sjt. J. Gray. R.W. Kent R.); Memorial Plaque (John Gray) in card envelope of issue, extremely fine (5) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917, citation published 26 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried a wounded officer back from the front line under heavy fire, and then returned, took command of the men around him, and by his conspicuous gallantry and splendid personal example encouraged them to push forward in the attack.

John Gray was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Bromley, Kent. He served during the Great War with the 2nd/4th Battalion in the Balkan theatre of War from 9 August 1915, with the Battalion landing at Suvla Bay the following day, and subsequently with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force from 13 December 1915. For his services during the Great War in Egypt he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 12 January 1918) and awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was killed in action in Egypt on 18 January 1918, and is buried in Jerusalem War Cemetery.