Auction Catalogue

25 February 1998

Starting at 1:00 PM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Arts Club  40 Dover St  London  W1S 4NP

Lot

№ 754

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25 February 1998

Hammer Price:
£220

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (201524 Pte. E. Lord, 1/5 Lan. Fus.) nearly very fine £180-220

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty for a fortnight as a company signaller and linesman. He persistently mended the wires under heavy fire, and it was due to his efforts that the company lines were kept running throughout the operations. When the right flank of his company was completely enveloped, he took command of a section and directed their fire, using a rifle himself with deadly effect. He spent two hours in a village under heavy fire, keeping his lines intact, and kept all the companies linked up.’

The Capture of Bucquoy: Over a period of three of four days, commencing 5 April 1918, the 1/5th Lancashire Fusiliers found themselves heavily engaged in, or around, the village of Bucquoy, often in hand to hand combat. Early on the morning of 5 April, the Battalion, in common with the remainder of the Brigade, had been subjected to a three hour enemy bombardment which included much gas. Despite this horrific start to the day 1/5th fought with extreme courage and determination, finally securing the crossroads in the centre of the village. Thereafter, counter attack was met with counter attack, a situation that no doubt compelled Private Lord to break off from his signalling duties and use his rifle with deadly effect. At length the Germans withdrew. Sold with a series of modern day photographs of the village of Bucquoy, each being captioned with the movements of 1/5 Lancashire Fusiliers.