A Great War ‘East Africa’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Staff Sergeant Major J. Warren, South African Special Service Company, attached 2/4th Battalion, King’s African Rifles

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (14304 Sjt J. Warren. S.A. Spec: Ser: Coy.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (S/S.M. J. Warren. 5th S.A.I.) mounted for display, good very fine (3) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919:

‘For particular bravery and coolness in action. He fired his machine gun with effect and showed great control over both gun and team. On one occasion when his gun was put out of action by a direct hit, he displayed exceptional ability in getting it to fire again almost immediately.’

J. Warren served during the Great War with the South African Special Service Company attached to the 2/4th King’s African Rifles in East Africa. He was awarded 1 of 2 D.C.M.’s, and 2 K.A.R. D.C.M.’s, awarded for gallantry at Numarroe in August 1918. The following is given in The King’s African Rifles, by Lieutenant-Colonel H. Moyse-Bartlett:

‘Action at Numarroe 24th August - on 23rd August Major P. Gerrard (London Regiment) was sent south east of Regone to Numarroe with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies, 2/4th K.A.R., two machine guns and four Lewis guns. The boma was still occupied by the Portuguese resident with a few irregular troops, who professed no knowledge of the approaching enemy. On the 24th, Captain R. H. Harris (Royal Munster Fusiliers) left with 100 men to patrol the track to the River Lugella. Two hours after leaving Numarroe Harris met the enemy advance guard of three companies and was forced to make a fighting retreat. Gerrard sent up reinforcements, but the enemy was too strong to be denied and gradually surrounded the boma. Repeated attacks were driven off, but shortly after dark the Germans gained a lodgement in the trenches and the K.A.R. force was split in two. Gerrard was taken prisoner, but Harris broke out and withdrew his troops towards Regone.’