Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War Western Front ‘Ploegsteert Wood 1915’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant G. H. Ingram, 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, later Military Provost Staff Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7310 L. Sjt: G. H. Ingram. 1/Wilts: R.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7310 Pte. G. H. Ingram. 2/Wilts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7310 Sjt. G. H. Ingram. Wilts. R.); Defence Medal; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (7717117 Sjt. G. H. Ingram. M.P.S.C.) mounted court-style for display, edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (6) £1,400-£1,800

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

‘For conspicuous gallantry north-east of Ploegsteert Wood. On the night of 16th-17th December, 1915, he accompanied Second Lieutenant Cordon through the German wire. On the night of 18th-19th December he was one of a party of nine which successfully raided the enemy’s trench, causing them several casualties. He attacked an enemy sentry post, and later killed a German who had pinned down Second Lieutenant Cordon.’

The Battalion War Diary records the latter raid: ‘At 4.30 a.m. 2nd Lieut. Cordon and 9 NCO’s and men left our trenches to capture a double sentry post in enemy’s front trench, which he had reconnoitred on 16th. They entered trench, killed two Germans and threw bombs at a counter attack, wounding many of them. One German held 2nd Lieut. Cordon down, but he and Sgt. Ingram shot him. It was not possible to capture a prisoner owing to the rapid counter attack. The whole party returned to our trenches at 5.45 a.m. without any casualties. No machine guns or artillery were fired from either side. At 10 a.m. the Divisional Commander congratulated 2nd Lieut. Cordon. Battn was relieved by LN Lancs and went to Piggeries in Brigade Reserve.’

George H. Ingram was born at Shrewton, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, and attested for the 3rd Wiltshire Regiment Militia on 8 November 1904, aged 17 years 10 months. He transferred to the Wiltshire Regiment on 27 June 1905, and served in France and Flanders from 7 October 1914. The Wiltshire Gazette of 7 September 1916 records him as returning home wounded. The 1st Battalion War Diary states that Ingram was presented with his D.C.M. ribbon on 12 February 1916.

Sold with ribbon bar and copied research including photographic image of Ingram in uniform wearing his D.C.M., Medal Index Card, and War Diary extracts.