Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A replacement Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 J. Luke, 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with copy Second Award Bar (200354 ASgt J Luke MM Durh LI); Military Medal, G.V.R., with copy Second Award Bar (3003 Sgt J Luke Durh LI); 1914-15 Star (200354 LCpl J Luke Durh LI); British War and Victory Medals, with incorrect M.I.D. oak leaf (3003 WO2 J Luke Durh LI) all the ‘circular’ medals additionally stamped ‘R’ (for ‘Replacement’) on edge, nearly extremely fine (lot) £600-800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918. ‘200354 A/Sjt. J. Luke M.M. (Trindon Colliery)’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the situation was very obscure, and touch had been lost with the troops on both flanks, he went out under heavy fire and made a daring reconnaissance, with the result that connection was re-established with the troops on the right and left. He set a splendid example throughout the battle.’

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1916.

Note: not entitled to bars for the D.C.M. or M.M. The M.I.D. not confirmed.

Acting Sergeant John Luke, 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 10 July 1915. For his bravery in the field he was awarded the M.M. followed by the D.C.M. He was appointed a Warrant Officer 2nd Class in the Territorial Forces on 28 May 1918. In a reference given by Captain E. A. Meek, Commanding 5th D.L.I., dated 6 November 1918, he writes:

‘This W.O. has had 3 years active service in France and during all this time his very distinguished conduct in action has been most conspicuous. His initiative and bravery have always been most marked, especially in patrols. As an N.C.O. in charge of bombing squads and patrols, he has been absolutely invaluable. .... A most brave and invaluable W.O. ...’

John Luke died at Bloomsbury Hospital on 2 September 1985.

With enamelled D.C.M. League and M.M. League lapel badges; D.L.I. cap badge, wound stripe and two metal and two cloth badges - these together with the medals in a glazed wooden case, 340 x 290mm. With his original Warrant Officer document, 1918, this in a glazed wooden frame, 465 x 355mm.; together with a hand-written reference and a typed copy; The Durham Light Infantry Association Member’s Card - named to C.S.M. J. Luke who joined on 1 March 1958; Military Medallists’ League Membership Card - named to Luke; a number of photographs of the recipient in various stages of his life, including some wearing his medals; some associated birth, marriage and death certificates; books (2) The Fifth Battalion The Durham Light Infantry 1914-1918, by Major A. L. Raimes, D.S.O., T.D., and Records of the 5th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry ... 1796 to 1914, by T. W. Bush. With copied m.i.c. and citation details.