A scarce Great War 1918 ‘Warrant Officer’s’ M.C. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class I W. Powell, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was severely wounded at Hermies, France, on 22 March 1918, in the same action in which Sergeant Harold Jackson, of the 7th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross, resulting in the loss of his right leg

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1902 (3188 Pte. W. Powell. K.R.R.C.); 1914-15 Star (3188 Sjt. W. Powell. K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (3188 A.W.O. Cl.1. w. Powell. K.R. Rif. C.) contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine and better (5) £1,400-£1,800

M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1918.

One of only 781 Warrant Officers to be awarded the Military Cross during the Great War.

William Powell was born in 1881 and attested for the King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 15 October 1900. He served with the 4th Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War, and during the Great War on the Western Front from 19 May 1915. He was severely wounded at Hermies, France, on 22 March 1918, in the same action in which Sergeant Harold Jackson, of the 7th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross; as a result of his wounds Powell’s left leg was amputated. He was discharged on account of wounds on 26 July 1918, and was awarded a Silver War Badge, no. B.5632.

Sold with copied research including a newspaper cutting of a photograph of the recipient having been awarded his M.C.; and a copy of the Order of Service of the K.R.R.C. Memorial Service, Winchester Cathedral, 15 July 1916.