Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Second Lieutenant J. Bullen, Manchester Regiment, late Lancashire Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (305053 C.S. Mjr., 2/8 Lanc. Fus.-T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2 Lieut.) good fine and better (3) £1200-1500

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 November 1917; citation 6 February 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of one of the most forward positions. When his party were reduced by casualties he went out, regardless of M.G. fire, and gathered up a few more men and held on to the post until relieved.’

John Bullen was born in Kidderminster on 17 December 1882. A Fitter by occupation, from Broughton, Salford, he enlisted into the Lancashire Fusiliers in February 1907. In the Great War he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 27 February 1917. As C.S.M. of the 2nd/8th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers he was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry in action at Passchendaele during the Third Battle of Ypres, July-November 1917. Returning home in December 1917, he was discharged to a commission in the 10th Battalion Manchester Regiment in July 1918. After service with the Army of Occupation, he was demobilized in March 1919 and resigned his commission, this notified in London Gazette 14 January 1921. In later life he was employed as a Storekeeper. Bullen died at Stretford, Lancashire on 23 December 1961. Sold with copied m.i.c., service papers, birth, marriage and death certificates and other research.