Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War stretcher bearer’s D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private Ernest Stockman, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (28796 Pte. E. Stockman. 2/Devon: R.) minor official correction to number with ‘8’ over ‘3’; British War and Victory Medals (28796 Pte. E. Stockman. Devon. R.) medals unmounted, nearly extremely fine (3) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer. Seeing a man hit between the enemy’s line and our own he rushed out in broad daylight to within 100 yards of the enemy, picked him up and, followed by a hail of bullets, carried him back to the aid post. On many other occasions he has saved lives by his coolness and devotion to duty.’

Battalion War Diary entry for 9 July 1918 confirms award of D.C.M. for ‘gallantry and devotion to duty between the Aisne and Marne.’

The 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, was awarded the Croix de Guerre with bronze palm as a unit for actions at Bois de Buttes (Aisne) 27 May 1918.

Sold with large portrait photograph of Stockman in uniform with ‘SB’ arm badge, this rolled and folded with marginal tears; Ypres League membership certificate; and 8th Division Parchment Certificate for Gallant Conduct, dated 26th May, 1918, awarded to Private Ernest Stockman, 2nd Devonshire Regiment. Action for which Commended:- ‘Near Villers Bretonneux on 24th April, 1918, Private Stockman carried out his duties in the open for many hours under heavy fire. When returning from the Regimental Aid Post, though he was cut off from his Company, he at once reported for duty to the nearest Company and carried on his work as stretcher bearer with untiring zeal and determination.’