Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War ‘German Spring Offensive’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Squadron Sergeant-Major H. C. Steane, 11th Hussars

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (46044 S.S. Mjr: H. C. Steane. 11/Hrs:); 1914 Star, with clasp (5263 Sjt. H. C. Steans. 11/Hrs.); British War and Victory Medals (5263 W.O. Cl. 2. H. C. Steane. 11-Hrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (534939 W.O. Cl. II. H. C. Steane. D.C.M. 11-Hrs.) generally very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. At a period when the regiment was extremely short of officers, owing to heavy casualties, he showed the greatest coolness and courage in reorganising troops and covering a retirement of the regiment during a most critical period.’
Annotated Gazette states ‘E. of Vermand, 22 March 1918.’

11 D.C.M’s awarded to the 11th Hussars in the Great War, only four of which were gazetted with a citation.

Henry C. Steane was a native of Coventry who served with the 11th Hussars in France and Flanders from 15 August 1914. He won the D.C.M. for gallantry on the second day of the great German Spring offensive in March 1918. The regimental War Diary of the 11th Hussars describes the retreat from the action in the face of overwhelming German forces east of Vermand at 11.40 a.m. on 22nd March:
‘Lieut-Colonel Anderson received the following from 72nd Brigade (By this time the troops N. of the Omignon River had fallen back, and our left was seriously endangered) “Withdraw fighting, through Green Line which is being held by 50th Division, to main Tertry - Bouvincourt Road and form up along road. 72nd Brigade will open at Estrees.”
By this time all available runners were out trying to get touch, but Lieut. Lumley re-joining from a Musketry Course at this moment, and bringing with him 4 men, was ordered to get the message through at all costs. This was successfully accomplished and the retirement commenced. At this time some 2000 Germans could be seen advancing down the hill towards Vermand. A detachment of signallers, runners, & etc from various units was organised to cover the flank, and the retirement was successfully conducted under cover of 2 Coys, 10th Dublin Fusiliers.’

Sold with copied War Diary entry and copied Medal Index Cards for both Steane and Steans, these cross referenced.