A scarce Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant J. H. Hobbs, Hertfordshire Regiment, who was thrice wounded in the course of winning his D.C.M.

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3318 Pte. J. H. Hobbs. 1/1 Herts: R. - T.F.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (265954 Cpl.- A. Sjt.- J. H. Hobbs, D.C.M. 1/Herts: R.); 1914-15 Star (3318 Pte. J. H. Hobbs, Herts. R.); British War and Victory Medals (3318 A.W.O. Cl. 2 J. H. Hobbs, Herts. R.), a little polished but generally toned, very fine or better (5) £3,000-£4,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although twice wounded he continued to go forward displaying great courage and determination. He was again wounded.’

Of the same action, regimental records state:

‘Private Hobbs, No. 3 Company, was acting as orderly to 2nd Lieutenant Gallo. He was hit in the arm after Splutter Trench had been crossed, but insisted on following his officer. After going another 20 yards, he was hit in the leg, and although limping badly, again refused to go back. He was hit again a third time and knocked over helpless. He had displayed conspicuous gallantry.’

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919.

John H. Hobbs, who was from Watford, first entered the French theatre of war on 14 February 1915, and won his D.C.M. in the Ancre Valley on the Somme on 13 November 1916, when his Battalion captured the Hansa Line at a cost of around 150 casualties.