Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Loos & Neuve Chappelle D.C.M. and battle of the Somme M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant John Higgins, Grenadier Guards

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11588 A. Sjt. J. Higgins, 4/G. Gds.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (11588 Sjt. J. Higgins, 4/G. Gds.); 1915-15 Star (11588 Pte., G. Gds.); Victory Medal (11588 Sjt., G. Gds.) together with an erased British War Medal, edge nicks, bruises and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (5) £1200-1500

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 January 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry on many occasions, notably the following:-

For gallant behaviour at the battle of Loos, when his platoon Officer and Serjeant had been killed.

For great gallantry when leading a bombing attack to help the Scots Guards on 17th October, 1915.

For conspicuous good night patrol work. On one occasion, 7th December, 1915, he remained one and a half hours close to the enemy’s parapet and brought back valuable information.

At Neuve Chapelle, on the night of 11th/12th December, 1915, he led an attack, and was the first to cut the enemy’s wire and enter the trench.’

M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1916. The following recommendation is believed to have come from a regimental source:

‘In the fighting for the capture of Les Boeufs on the 15th and 16th July 1916, this Sergeant repeatedly organised and led parties of men, of his own and other units, to repel counter attacks of the enemy. He bombed enemy dug-outs single handed and personally shot twenty of the enemy who were attacking the trench in which he was; this is vouched for by his Company Commander. He repeatedly provided useful information and behaved with the greatest gallantry and resource.’

Sold with copy service and discharge papers.