A remarkable Second War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Lieutenant W. R. James, 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, who was five times recommended for a decoration before finally gaining the D.C.M., the extended citation describing gallantry at the defence of Monts des Cats in May 1940, to inspiring observation work in the Western Desert, via the evacuation of Greece: ‘I wish to press very strongly indeed for this W.O. to receive recognition. I request that very special consideration may please be given to the award of the D.C.M. I wish this award to take first priority in this Regiment’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (85381 W.O. Cl. II W. R. James, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £4,000-£5,000

Dix Noonan Webb, March 2014.

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘This W.O. has got six and a half years regular service in L/N Battery, 2nd Regiment, R.H.A. At the outbreak of War he was promoted from Lance-Bombardier to Lance-Sergeant and went out to France in this Regiment. He fought then in Belgium and in France. He was recommended for an immediate award for his gallant action as Troop B.S.M. in a sharp engagement at Mont des Cats, when his conduct won him the high opinions of all ranks as follows:

‘ ‘A’ Brigade of the 44 Division had rallied during the night at the Mont des Cats. L/N Battery was the only Artillery present. It was impossible to get a covered position as the roads were blocked by abandoned vehicles. The guns were got into action and succeeded in silencing the fire of some 8 mortars. A German battery then started to fire at our guns. They were engaged by the remaining two guns until these were finally knocked out by direct hits. B.S.M. James showed the greatest courage and ability throughout this action, finally going on to a gun himself after the whole detachment had been wounded.’

He remained B.S.M. to L Troop L/N Battery during the operations in Greece where his ability, coolness under fire and high example to all caused his name again to be forwarded by the Formation Commander for an immediate award of the D.C.M. Once again his conduct was unrecognised.

On return from Greece this W.O. became Battery Sergeant-Major and served with his battery on the Libyan Frontier. On 14 September 1941, the enemy carried out a reconnaissance in force with 200 tanks. L Troop advanced, the better to be able to reach the enemy with their fire. Their subsequent withdrawal at the last minute in the face of a heavy attack was due largely to the coolness and ability of B.S.M. James; for this he was again put in for an award and again failed to get one.

Throughout the operations from 18 November 1941 to March 1942, the actions of the Battery have been marked by the distinguished conduct of this W.O. at all times. He carried out the duties of Troop Gun Position Officer for long periods, after casualties had been received. He carried the duties of Troop O.P. Officer in support of armour with conspicuous success. He earned the very high opinion of of the Tank Battalion Commanders, whom he supported, and his conduct was noted by the Brigade Commander and also by the Divisional Commander, on several occasions during this period. During this campaign he surpassed all others in his splendid enthusiasm, his fighting spirit and tactical ability, and without question was deserving of an award before any in the Regiment. Again he was given first priority for an immediate award and failed to have one granted.

He was then put up for a periodical on the recommendation of higher authority. His case was cited at length. This list has now been published and his name is once more absent.

He has since been made a Lieutenant on an emergency commission. I wish to press very strongly indeed for this W.O. to receive recognition. I request that very special consideration may please be given to the award of the D.C.M. I wish this award to take first priority in this Regiment.’

William Rowland James, a native of Ashton-under-Lyne, was serving in L/N Battery, 2nd Regiment, R.H.A., throughout all of the above cited actions, and was also Mentioned in Despatches in the same period (London Gazette 15 December 1942 refers). Having then been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1942, he was mentioned a second time for further acts of gallantry in North Africa (London Gazette 24 June 1943 refers).

For further details regarding the action at Mont de Cats in May 1940, and indeed much evidence of further gunnery of the ‘open sight’ variety in the Western Desert, see the catalogue entry for Lieutenant-Colonel T. J. Tirrell, M.C., D.C.M., whose remarkable wartime career mirrored much of James’ own active service experiences (Dix Noonan Webb, 11 December 2013 - Lot 1581).

Sold with copied recommendation and extracts from the regimental history.