Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Second Battle of Gaza’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major J. A. Bateup, 1/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment (T.F.), late 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (201318 Sjt: J. A. Bateup. 1/4 Nth’n: R.-T.F.); 1914 Star (8919 Pte J. A. Bateup. 1/Leic: R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves, loose (1-8919 Sjt. J. A. Bateup. Leic. R.) mounted as originally worn, generally very fine or better (4) £800-£1,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917; citation published 26 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the officers of his company were casualties he handled his men with great coolness and skill during severe fighting, and maintained an advanced position until dusk. Since that occasion he has also done excellent service in reorganising his company, setting a fine example to all those under him.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 12 January 1918 (Egypt).

James Alfred Bateup was born in Horsmonden, Kent, one of fifteen siblings. He initially served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 9 September 1914. Bateup advanced to Sergeant, and transferred to the 1/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment (T.F.).

Bateup served with the Battalion in the Egyptian theatre of war, and distinguished himself during the Second Battle of Gaza, 17 - 19 April 1917. Bateup was awarded his D.C.M. for gallantry on 19 April, when the Battalion advanced towards the Beersheba Road. The latter was the first objective, and the terrain was undulating but devoid of any cover. The Turks were strongly entrenched, and despite the attack reaching the edge of the trenches the 1/4th Battalion had suffered 80% casualties. At dusk the survivors, including Bateup, withdrew having suffered losses of 386 killed, wounded or missing - only 1 officer was left unscathed.

Bateup advanced to Acting Company Sergeant Major, and resided in Leicestershire after the war. He died in 1962.

Sold with copied research, including a photographic image of recipient in uniform.