Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Major J. Joyce, Machine Gun Corps, late 2nd Battalion London Regiment

British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Major) edge bruising, good very fine (2) £120-160

D.S.O. London Gazette 16 September 1918. ‘’T/Maj., M.C., M.G. Corps’. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a machine-gun company. It was due in a great degree to his magnificent example and great courage that a position was enabled to be held for so long. Later, he collected a party of stragglers, and, with two of his guns and two trench mortars, he held up a hostile advance. During this defence he was severely wounded, but refused to leave his post, and it was not until the enemy had almost surrounded him that he withdrew to a fresh position, being himself the last to leave. His courage and ability throughout were deserving of the highest praise’.

M.C. London Gazette 17 September 1917. ‘Capt. (T./Maj.), M.G. Corps’. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of machine guns. During an attack upon a strongly fortified position he moved about with complete disregard of the intense hostile shall fire, visiting all his guns and keeping them in action by his splendid personal example of coolness. Three of his guns were put out of action, and his teams had twenty-four casualties. His exceptional fearlessness and ability cannot be too highly praised’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 June 1916; 24 December 1917; 30 December 1918.

Temporary Captain Joseph Joyce, 15th Battalion Machine Gun Corps, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 24 July 1915. In the Great War he was twice wounded, three times mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.O. and M.C. Also awarded the 1914-15 Star. In July 1920 was living at 81 Knollys Road, Streatham, London. With copied m.i.c. and gazette extracts.