Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Temporary Warrant Officer Class 1 A. E. Laurence, 9th (Service) Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment - who later served as a Drill Instructor with the ‘Black and Tans’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (10927 A.R.S. Mjr. A. Laurence, 9/N. & D.R.) attempted erasure of ‘A’ of rank; British War and Victory Medals, small M.I.D. oak leaf (10927 T.W.O. Cl. 1 A. E. Lawrence, Notts. & Derby. R.); together with a renamed 1914 Star, with original (loose) clasp (10927 C.S.M. A. Laurence, 9th N. & D. Regt.) note variation in name, fine (4) £900-1100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 1 January 1918; citation: 17 April 1918. ‘A/R.S.M. A. Laurence, N. & Derby. R.(E. Derby).’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His untiring energy, coupled with his fine powers of organisation, cheerfulness, and courage, under most trying conditions, have greatly contributed to the success of the battalion.’

Serjeant Albert Laurence, 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 8 September 1914. Later as an Acting R.S.M. in the 9th Battalion he was awarded the D.C.M. Laurence was discharged c.1921/22. He then applied and was selected to join the Tyrone Special Constabulary, Omagh, as Drill Instructor.

With wrist watch, inscribed, ‘R.S.M. A. E. Laurence, 9th S.F. 1917’; original Letter of Qualification as an Instructor, 1919, with associated paper; Certificates of Proficiency, 1921 (2) for Lewis Machine Guns, and Rifles, both with associated papers; Special Rifle Course Certificate, 1922, with associated paper; letters (2) from the Commandant of the Tyrone Special Constabulary, 1922 re. his appointment as Drill Instructor. With copied research. 1914 Star with clasp confirmed; M.I.D. not confirmed.