Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Great War ‘Warrant Officer’s’ Western Front M.C., D.C.M., and ‘Immediate’ M.S.M. group of six awarded to Acting Warrant Officer Class I J. Bramley, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9651 C.S. Mjr: J. Bramley. 2/York: L.I.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (9651 C.S. Mjr: J. Bramley. D.C.M. 2/Yorks: L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9651 Cpl. J. Bramley. Yorks: L.I.); British War Medal 1914-20 (9651 A.W.O. Cl. 1. J. Bramley. Yorks. L. [sic]); Victory Medals 1914-19 (9651 A.W.O. Cl. 1. J. Bramley. Yorks. L.I.) mounted as worn in this order, light contact marks, generally very fine and better (6) £5,000-£7,000

M.C. London Gazette 13 May 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst in command of the company outpost line he saw two waves of the enemy forming up opposite the outpost line preparatory to the attack. He at once opened rapid rifle fire from one post and brought a machine gun into action. With such skill were his fire orders given that the first enemy waves were brought to a stand-still by a very accurate and intense rifle fire. Several subsequent hostile attempts to advance were rendered fruitless by his admirable control of the situation, despite the fact that the enemy artillery and machine-gun barrage were very intense. The successful repulse of this strong raid was largely due to his coolness, ability, and devotion to duty.’

D.C.M. London Gazette 17 April 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rendered invaluable service in collecting men and leading them forward to their objective. Later, he led a bombing attack and cleared the enemy trench.’

M.S.M. London Gazette 17 June 1918:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war.’

John Bramley attested for the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 1 September 1914. Advanced Acting Warrant Officer Class I, in addition to his Meritorious Service Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal he was awarded the Military Cross, a scarce award to a Warrant Officer.