Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. late or re-issue group of four awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 James Howes, Lancashire Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5273 W.O. Cl. 2, Lan. Fus.); 1914-15 Star (5273 W.O. Cl. 2, Lan. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (5273 W.O. Cl. 2, Lan. Fus.) all late issues, some contact marks, generally good very fine (4)
£350-400

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1919. ‘C.S.M. J. Howes, 18th Bn. Lan. Fus. (Chadderton).’ ‘Since 9th September, 1917, his work has been continuously of the highest order. In the attack at Houthulst Forest on 22nd October, 1917, and the subsequent minor operations carried out by the battalion during the winter in the Poelcapelle area, he displayed the greatest gallantry and initiative. During the withdrawal from Maricourt through Bray to Buire, in March 1918, he set a splendid example to his men, inspiring them with that confidence which enabled his company to maintain a successful rearguard action under most arduous conditions. On several occasions, owing to casualties, he has commanded the company, and done so with marked ability’.

James Howes of Farnworth, Lancashire, enlisted into the Lancashire Fusiliers at Bury on 29 July 1902. With them he served in Gibraltar, Malta, Egypt and India. As a Sergeant in the 18th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 25 September 1915. Attaining the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class, he was awarded the D.C.M. for his continued distinguished service during the Third Battle of Ypres, late 1917, and the German Spring Offensive, 1918. James Howes, latterly a Recording Clerk at a Chemical Works, died at Goldcar, Colne Valley, on 5 February 1951, aged 66 years. Sold with copied fragmentary service papers, m.i.c., certificates and other research. Oblique references on the m.i.c. and service papers suggest the above medals may have been issued in March 1949.