Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private J. Riley, Worcestershire Regiment, for his gallantry in rescuing several wounded comrades under heavy fire at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 12 March 1915; severely wounded himself, his left leg was subsequently amputated

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12877 Pte. J. Riley. 1/Worc: Regt.); 1914 Star (12877 Pte. J. Riley. 1/Worc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (12877 Pte. J. Riley. Worc. R.) mounted as worn, very fine (4) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuve Chapelle. Whilst advancing with his platoon in the attack he attended to several wounded men at great personal risk. Subsequently he was severely wounded in the head and both legs whilst performing similar acts of gallant conduct.’

John Riley attested for the Worcestershire Regiment at Worcester on 6 January 1912, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 November 1914. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 12 March 1915, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal:The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War gives the following additional information:
‘Outside the trenches the open ground was littered with dead and wounded. Many of the latter were dragged into safety by brave men who dashed out from the trenches and brought in their stricken comrades in spite of the enemy’s fire. Great bravery was shewn by Privates F. E. Riggs and J. Riley, both of whom, although wounded more than once, continued their work of rescue as long as their strength endured.’

Riley was discharged on account of his wounds on 21 March 1916, ‘no longer physically ft for war service’, and received a Silver War Badge, as well as the following testimonial from Halesowen Rural District Council:
‘The Rural District Council of Halesowen offer to you their heartiest congratulations on your safe return from this terrible War and they wish to place on record their high appreciation of the honour you have done the District by your great bravery which has resulted in you receiving the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
You were already a soldier at the commencement of the War and in its early stages were brought from Egypt. In the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 13 March 1915 you whilst under heavy fire assisted in carrying several wounded soldiers including an Officer to safety until you were so badly wounded yourself that you could not continue the work. You were whilst doing this wounded in several places as a result of which you have lost one of your legs.
Having passed through many dangers you have been permitted to return safely though wounded to your home and it will be a life long satisfaction to you to know that you have done your part to help your King and Country in their hour of need We are all proud of you and trust that you will have a long life to enjoy the honour you have so well deserved and obtained.’

Sold with the recipient’s large Honourable Discharge Certificate, this mounted on card; a post card photograph of the recipient; his original Certificate of Service and Discharge; two letters from Halesowen Rural District Council; and copied research.