Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War D.C.M. group of twelve awarded to Sergeant-Major J. A. Thornton, Highland Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (B-21196. Sjt. J. A. Thornton. 1/6 High: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (21196 Pte. J. A. Thornton, High. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (21196 Sjt. J. A. Thornton. High. L.I.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (3300891 W.O. Cl. 1. J. Thornton. H.L.I.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, Regular Army (3300891 W.O. Cl. II. J. A. Thornton. H.L.I.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R, 2nd issue (3300891 W.O. Cl. 1. J. A. Thornton. D.C.M. H.L.I.); Netherlands, ‘Gold’ Medal of the Order of Orange Nassau, silver-gilt, mounted court style as worn, the earlier awards a little polished, otherwise nearly very fine or better (12) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920:

‘On 27 September, 1918, during the attack on the Bapaume-Cambrai Road, he showed great gallantry and splendid initiative. All the officers of his Company having become casualties, he took command of the Company, leading them with great dash and capturing all his objectives and also a number of prisoners.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 May 1936, ‘for distinguished services rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations, North West Frontier of India, 15th/16th August to 15th/16th October, 1935’.

Medal of the Order of Orange Nassau (Gold) London Gazette 17 October 1946.

M.S.M. Army Order 98 of 1953, without annuity.

John Augustus Thornton was born on 13 March 1896. He served in the Highland Light Infantry, in the ranks 3 years 185 days; Warrant Officer Class 2, 16 years 191 days; Sergeant-Major, 17 April 1935.