Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Battle of the River Piave’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant J. Machell, Royal Garrison Artillery, late Royal Engineers

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. J. Machell.) minor edge bruise to VM, good very fine (3) £500-£700

M.C. London Gazette 10 December 1919:
‘During the operation on the River Piave on the night of 26th-27th October 1918, this officer was sent forward with the infantry to act as brigade forward observation officer. He succeeded in getting his party across the river but was unable to establish communication. On the evening he returned and reported in person giving valuable information. The river had to be waded in parts and the whole of his duties were carried out under heavy enemy shell fire. He showed throughout a complete disregard of his own safety and set a fine example to his men.’

John Machell was born in Lindale-in-Cartmel, Lancashire, in 1883, and was employed as an Engineer’s Agent. He attested for the Royal Engineers at Kingston-upon-Thames on 9 December 1915, and served with them as a Sapper during the Great War on the Western Front from April 1916. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery on 17 November 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of the River Piave in the Italian theatre of War in October 1918. He was promoted Lieutenant on 18 May 1919, and relinquished his commission on 1 April 1920, retaining the rank of Lieutenant.

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