A Presentation Silver Salver.
A fine salver, by Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd., silver, hallmarks for London 1915, approx. 825g/ 26.5oz, 305mm in diameter, inscribed ‘Presented to Major W. G. Johns 13th. Kings Royal Rifle Corps by his brother officers in the trenches May 1916’, with four feet, some light scratches commensurate with age, good condition £500-£700

Whitfield Glanville Johns (1877-1941) served with the 13th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 30 July 1915, finishing up in command of his battalion with the rank of Acting Lieutenant-Colonel. For his services during the Great War he was four times Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 4 January 1917, 21 December 1917, 28 December 1918, and 9 July 1919), and was awarded the D.S.O. (London Gazette 7 November 1918), the citation stating:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership while commanding the battalion during an attack after the C.O. had been wounded. Having consolidated the positions gained he carried out a valuable reconnaissance under heavy fire. The information thus gained was largely responsible for the further advance undertaken and the ultimate capture of an important position.’

A keen mountain climber, who prior to the Great War scaled many of the principal Alpine peaks, in 1913 Johns joined the Caucasus expedition, during which he made the first ascents of a number of 13,000+ feet peaks. In civilian life he was employed by Lloyds Bank, finishing after a 48-year career, as General Manager, and he also served as Chairman of the Bankers’ Beneficent Society and of the Bank Clerks’ Orphanage.