Orders, Decorations and Medals

A remarkable Second War ‘North Africa’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer W. R. James, 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, who was recommended for an award on no less than five occasions

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (85381 W.O.Cl.II. W. R. James, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, with oak leaf M.I.D. emblem, mounted as worn, very fine (5) £1200-1500

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1943.
M.I.D. London Gazette 24 June 1943.

The following citation for the D.C.M. was taken from official records: ‘Battery Sergeant Major William Roland James, 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. North Africa: This W.O. has got six & a half years regular service in L/N Bty 2nd Rgt RHA. At the outbreak of War he was promoted from L/Bdr to L/Sgt and went out to France in this Regt. He fought then in Belgium and in France. He was recommended for an immediate award for his gallant action as Troop BSM in a sharp engagement at Mont des Cats, when his conduct won him the high opinions of all ranks as follows:-

“A” Brigade of the 44 Div had rallied during the night at the Mont des Cats. L/N Battery was the only Artillery present. It was impossible to get a covered position as the roads were blocked by abandoned vehicles. The guns were got into action and succeeded in silencing the fire of some 8 mortars. A German Battery then started to fire at our guns. They were engaged by the remaining two guns until these were finally knocked out by direct hits. BSM James showed the greatest courage and ability throughout this action, finally going on to a gun himself after the whole detachment had been wounded.

He remained BSM to L Troop L/N Bty during the operations in Greece where his ability, coolness under fire and high example to all caused his name again to be forwarded by the Formation Commander for an immediate award of the D.C.M. Once again his conduct was unrecognised.

On return from Greece this W.O. became Battery Sergeant Major and served with his Battery on the Libyan Frontier. On 14 Sept 41 the enemy carried out a reconnaissance in force with 200 tanks. L Troop advanced, the better to be able to reach the enemy with their fire. Their subsequent withdrawal at the last minute in the face of a heavy attack was due largely to the coolness and ability of BSM James; for this he was again put in for an award and again failed to get one.

Throughout the operations from Nov 18, 1941 to March 1942, the actions of the Battery have been marked by the distinguished conduct of this W.O. at all times. He carried out the duties of Troop Gun Position Officer for long periods, after casualties had been received. He carried the duties of Tp O.P. Officer in support of Armour with conspicuous success. He earned the very high opinion of of the Tank Bn Commanders, whom he supported, and his conduct was noted by the Brigade Commander and also by the Divisional Commander, on several occasions during this period. During this campaign he surpassed all others in his splendid enthusiasm, his fighting spirit and tactical ability, and without question was deserving of an award before any in the Regiment. Again he was given first priority for an immediate award and failed to have one granted. He was then put up for a periodical on the recommendation of higher authority. His case wide suspension cited at length. This list has now been published and his name is once more absent. He has since been made a Lieutenant on an emergency commission. I wish to press very strongly indeed for this W.O. to receive recognition. I request that very special consideration may please be given to the award of the D.C.M. I wish this award to take first priority in this Regiment.’