Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. Including a superb collection of medals to the King’s German Legion, Police Medals from the Collection of John Tamplin and a small collection of medals to the Irish Guards

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant J. Bancroft, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding Regiment), killed in action in May 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (200453 Sjt., M.M., 1/4 W. Rid. R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (1995 Sjt., 1/4 W. Rid. R.-T.F.) some contact wear and edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine (2) £400-500

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After the enemy had been driven off with severe loss by the rifle fire of his compan, Sjt. Bancroft the same afternoon and three times next day took out a patrol and went over 800 yards securing identifications from enemy dead, and bringing back valuable information regarding the enemy’s dispositions. He had only recently been wounded, and set a splendid example of devotion to duty.’

M.M. London Gazette 12 March 1917.

Joseph Bancroft lived in Keighley, Yorkshire and enlisted at Halifax. He was killed in action in France and Flanders on 4 May 1918 whilst serving with the 1/4th Battalion, West Riding Regiment. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium.