Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.C. attributed to Second Lieutenant A. J. Long, Machine Gun Corps

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in case of issue, extremely fine £400-500

M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919.

The recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty between the 24th and 31st August 1918. This officer commanded a machine gun section throughout the operations. On the 30th August he took up a position with his guns under heavy shell fire, from which he was able to afford covering fire to the advancing infantry and later after a personal daring reconnaissance moving his guns forward to consolidate the objective won. On the 31st August during an enemy counter-attack he kept his guns in action in spite of heavy enemy barrage, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and materially assisting in the repulse of the enemy, using his spare gunners as riflemen to fill gaps in the infantry line.
Throughout the operations this officer kept three German machine guns in action in addition to his own. By his able and lucid reports he kept his Company Commander constantly informed as to the situation which at times was most obscure. The able tactical handling of his section, his reckless gallantry, and cool, firm courage under very trying conditions, prove him to be an officer of high order and great promise. His conduct was an inspiring example to his men.’

Arthur James Long was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps on 26 April 1917, and served with them during the Great War on the Western Front. He was subsequently employed with the African and Eastern Trade Corporation, Liverpool.

Sold together with the Commission Document appointing the recipient a Second Lieutenant in the Machine Gun Corps, dated 5 May 1917; a letter to the recipient’s mother detailing the award of the Military Cross; the recipient’s contract of employment with the African and Eastern Trade Corporation; and two photographs.