Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Lieutenant J. C. V. Polgreen, Rifle Brigade, late 28th London Regiment

1914 Star, with clasp (1276 Pte., 1/28 Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); Defence Medal, mounted as worn, very fine (4) £120-140

John Clifford Vesey Polgreen was born in Monmouth and was a Bank Clerk in London when he attested for the 28th London Regiment (Artists Rifles) on 9 December 1913. He went to France on 26 October 1914, was appointed Lance- Corporal in July 1915 but reverted to Private at his own request a few weeks later. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, in November 1915.

He was injured in a rather amusing incident that evidently backfired on him in July 1916, as evidenced by the following witness report given at the subsequent Court of Enquiry: ‘No.2249 Sgt. Rowlinson, G., 9th Bn. The Rifle Brigade being duly warned states:- About 1 a.m. I was on patrol with Mr Polgreen: he remarked that the sentry he was just coming up to was slack and that if he did not challenge him and come to the “present” he was going to rush him. I saw Mr Polgreen hurry round the traverse and on getting round myself [saw him] come to the “ready”, and hit [bayonetted] Mr Polgreen, who was then running. I did not hear the sentry challenge. Mr Polgreen told the sentry that it was his own fault, and that he (the sentry) was more awake than he thought.’ The Court found that Mr Polgreen had accidentally received injuries for which he was entirely to blame.

On 5 August 1916, Polgreen was wounded by the base of a Stokes mortar shell and stated that the injury ‘was inflicted whilst I was on physical drill parade with my company on ground allotted by our Commanding Officer, near the Candas-Fienvillers Road. A trench mortar battery was giving a demonstration to another battalion of our Brigade when I was suddenly knocked over. I was standing with my Captain in front of the rear platoon of the company in column.’ Sold with full details.