Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family Group:

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal A. Ambrose, 1/6th (Morayshire) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, later killed in action 20 July 1918
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (267507 Pte A. Ambrose. 1/6 Sea: Highrs:); British War and Victory Medals (5144 Pte. A. Ambrose. Seaforth.); Memorial Plaque (Alfred Ambrose) last in card envelope of issue with Buckingham Palace enclosure, generally good very fine

Three: Gunner J. Ambrose, 122nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 21 August 1918, just over a month after his younger brother had been killed in action
1914-15 Star (W-1903 Gnr. J. Ambrose, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (W-1903 Gnr. J. Ambrose. R.A.); Memorial Plaque (John Ambrose) last in card envelope of issue with Buckingham Palace enclosure, generally good very fine (8) £1,200-£1,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. His section leader becoming a casualty, he assumed command of the section and a party of stragglers, and by fine powers of leadership he controlled this party splendidly and inflicted severe losses on the enemy.’

Alfred Ambrose was born in Gorton, Manchester in 1896. He was the son of a grocer and corn merchant, with the family business based at 122 Wilmslow Road, Echeadle, Cheshire. He served during the Great War with the 1/6th (Morayshire) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders on the Western Front.

Ambrose advanced to Lance-Corporal and was killed in action, 20 July 1918, with the following being placed by his father in The Manchester Evening News, 10 December 1918:

‘Ambrose - Missing after the battle of Champagne July 20th to 26th, ‘C’ Company, 9 Platoon, L/Cpl any information J. Ambrose, 122 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle, Cheshire.’

The Battalion War Diary gives the following:

‘On 20th July the 1/6th Seaforths were north east of Paradis, Paradis being held by the Germans. ‘C’ Company on the left. On the 21st July they were subject to intense enemy shell fire suffering 60 killed and wounded. At 1400 the Battalion moved forward in support of 5th Seaforths and 6th Gordons. On 22nd July enemy shell fire remained heavy and at 1600 gas shells were fired. On 23rd July the Brigade attacked. ‘C’ Company 1/6th Seaforths suffered very severely from our own barrage and hostile machine gun fire from the left flank before reaching the Bois de L’Aulnay, all officers becoming casualties. Elements of ‘C’ Company succeeded in reaching the objective but the main line taken up was in the sunken road 300 yards south of the Bois de L’Aulnay.

On 24th, 25th and 26th the 1/6th Seaforths continued to hold the line after being re-organised into one composite company. Total casualties for the operations are recorded as 5 officers killed and 14 wounded, 46 other ranks killed, 312 wounded and 32 missing.’

Lance-Corporal Ambrose is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France.


John Ambrose was the elder brother of the above, and was born in Gorton, Manchester in 1894. He served during the Great War with the Royal Field Artillery in the French theatre of war from 23 December 1915. Ambrose was serving with the 122nd Brigade, R.F.A. on the Western Front when he was mortally wounded, 21 August 1918. He was evacuated to a casualty clearing station, and died the same day following the amputation of a leg.

Gunner Ambrose is buried in Bagneux Cemetery, Gezaincourt, France.