Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of three awarded to Captain F. M. Bentley, Lancashire Fusiliers, killed in action, 13 October 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed, in damaged case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) good very fine (3)
£1000-1200

M.C. London Gazette 6 April 1918. ‘Lt. (A./Capt.), Lanc. Fus.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in organising groups of men of all units and pushing them forward to the attack. He got well in advance of the final objective, but had to withdraw, being unsupported on the flanks. He was wounded early in the attack in the leg, but remained at duty until unable to walk.’

Frank Mercer Bentley was born in Bury, Lancashire on 4 September 1881, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Bentley. In 1890 Arthur Bentley became proprietor of The Bury Times. Frank Mercer Bentley was educated at Bury Grammar School and Rossall College after which he joined the ‘family business’ as a Journalist and in 1903 became a Director of the newspaper. Prior to his entry into the Army, he was proprietor of the The Bury Times and sub-editor. He was also an active member of the Bury Liberal Association, Bury Cricket Club and Bury Athenaeum Amateur Operatic Society of which he was co-founder.

He joined the 3rd/5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers as an officer in 1915 and later served in France. As an officer in “C” Company, he was wounded in action whilst leading his men in an attack on Passchendaele Ridge, 9 October 1917 - receiving a gunshot wound to the left thigh. For his bravery and leadership in this action he was awarded the Military Cross. Bentley was invalided to England where he made a full recovery. Returning to France, he was posted to the 1st/5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. On 13 October 1918, whilst serving at the front at Nieuport, he was killed in action, aged 37 years. He was buried at St. Souplet British Cemetery, Nord, France. At the time of his death, his parents were living at “Daymer”, Hervines Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire and formerly lived at Thorn Hill, Walmersley Road, Bury.

With original Military Cross and British War and Victory Medals’ forwarding slips; citation slip; and a wealth of copied research, including m.i.c., service papers, gazette, war diary, census and newspaper extracts - including obituary; modern photographs, including one of his grave; and military unit details. Well presented, all contained in a folder.