Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Attack on St. Eloi’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class II V. Read, Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in action on the Western Front on 25 March 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (334 T.A. Sjt: V. Read. 1/7 Hants: R. -T.F.); 1914-15 Star (7-837 Sjt. V. Read. Hamps: R.); British War and Victory Medals (27521 W.O. Cl.2. V. Read. Hamps. R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. 334 Sjt: V. Read. 5/Hants: R.); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, with palm emblem on riband, mounted court-style for display, nearly extremely fine (6) £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 15 April 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and ability when leading his men under heavy fire. He set a fine example.’

Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918:
‘For distinguished service rendered during the course of the campaign.’

Valentine Read was born in Christchurch, Hampshire, and attested for the Hampshire Yeomanry. He served with the 5th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, during the Great War in the Hedjaz theatre of War from 30 September 1915, and subsequently with the 15th (Hampshire Yeomanry) Battalion on the Western Front. He was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 64 on 1 February 1917, and for his services during the Great War was awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Belgian Croix de Guerre, the former for his gallantry during the attack on St. Eloi in June 1917, for which he received a 41st Divisional Commendation:
‘To C.S.M. V. Read, D.C.M., 15th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. I wish to place on record my appreciation of your gallantry and disregard for danger when the final objective was reached you consolidated the position and did everything for its defence. Your unceasing work in attending the wounded and preparing for a counter attack was of great value. Signed Sydney Lawford, Major-General Commanding 41st Division, 7 June 1917.’

Read was killed in action on 25 March 1918, and is buried in Achiet-le-Grant Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

Sold with the recipient’s original Warrant appointing him a Warrant Officer, Class II, dated 4 March 1917; original 41st Divisional Commendation card; named Record Office enclosure for the 1914-15 Star and Diploma to the Belgian Croix de Guerre; and copied research.