Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military Cross, G.V.R., rev. engraved, ‘2nd Lieut. J. McW. Bampfield, 13th Bn. The Rifle Brigade, Monchy le Preux, April 11th 1917’, in case of issue, extremely fine £350-400

M.C. London Gazette 16 August 1917. ‘2nd Lt., Rif. Brig., Spec. Res.’, ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rallied the company under heavy fire and collecting men of other units near him organised the defence of the village in a skilful manner. His example and courage under fire were most marked’.

John McWilliams Bampfield was the eldest son of Rev. and Mrs J. Bampfield (Rector of Stoke-in-Teignhead from 1922). He was educated at Rossall School, winning his rugby colours there as a notable half-back Leaving school in 1915 he was commissioned into the 6th Battalion Rifle Brigade. Serving in France, he was awarded the M.C. for his actions of bravery and leadership with the 13th battalion in the village of Monchy le Preux on 11 April 1917. During the war he attained the rank of Acting-Captain. Post-war, after a short residence at Selwyn College, Cambridge, he was appointed to an administrative post in South Nigeria. In 1927, shortly before he was due to go on leave and get married, he contracted a fatal form of tuberculosis and died in England on 2 September 1927 aged 31 years. Sold with original telegram requesting his presence for an award ceremony at Buckingham Palace and an obituary cutting from The Rossallian.