A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and bar attributed to Captain J. S. Duff, attached 11th (Acrington) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, reverse with neat contemporary inscription ‘Capt. J. S. Duff, 3rd attd. 11th E. Lan. Regt.’; contained in original case of issue, the outer lid inscribed in gilt lettering ‘Capt. J. S. Duff’; together with named brass identity tag, good very fine £350-400

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a retirement, though slightly wounded in the arm, this officer continued in command of his company, and carried out an order which he received, in spite of machine-gun and point-blank artillery fire. Later, he brought his company out in good order and took up a position allotted to him, when he had to be evacuated through loss of blood, after a fine example of endurance at a critical time.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919 ‘During the operations east of Ploegsteert on September 28th 1918, he showed the greatest gallantry and determination under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He seized all his objectives and seeing that he could exploit success, he ordered a further attack on La Douve Farm, which he took, capturing one machine-gun. He was then heavily counter attacked from the direction of Messines. This he drove off. He held a front of nearly 1,000 yards with one company, showing marked courage in moving from post to post, encouraging his men under heavy machine-gun fire.’