Orders, Decorations and Medals

The unique North Russia D.C.M., M.M. and U.S. Distinguished Service Cross group of six awarded to Sergeant James Howarth, 17th (1st City Pals) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (29649 Sjt. J. Howarth, M.M. 17/L’pool R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (29649 Sjt. J. Howarth, 17/L’pool R.); 1914-15 Star (29649 Pte., L’pool R.); British War and Victory Medals (29649 Sjt., L’pool R.); U.S.A., Distinguished Service Cross, 2nd type, officially numbered on the third limb ‘5828’, toned, extremely fine (6) £5000-7000

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920 (N. Russia): ‘For gallantry in action and consistent good work. Since he has been with this battalion he has always shown unfailing devotion to duty. On one occasion he went on patrol with only one private with him, and obtained valuable information. By his initiative and leadership he has set a fine example to his comrades.’

M.M. London Gazette 3 October 1919: ‘for bravery in the Field with the British Forces in North Russia - Archangel Command.’

United States D.S.C. War Department Order 30 April 1920:

‘For extraordinary heroism in the action south of Kodish on the afternoon of February 7th, 1919. Sergeant Howarth was commanding 30 men, who found two advanced posts, and in spite of being surrounded by the enemy and having little food, he held his post against superior numbers for over 7 hours of heavy machine gun and rifle fire delivered from the front and both flanks.
Sergeant Howarth ordered his men out of their position and taking the initiative he bombed the advancing enemy with great effect, seeing that he was outnumbered 5 to 1 he instructed his men to withdraw to river positions. It was not until the whole of his force had gained the north bank of the Emsta River, 5 versts north of Kodish village, that the Sergeant crossed.’

James Howarth enlisted at Liverpool on 2 June 1915, and was aged either 18 years 7 months or 20 years, according to either the entry in his Pay Book or his Small Book. He was born in the Parish of Ormskirk, Lancashire, and enlisted into the King’s Liverpool Regiment for the duration of the war. He first embarked for war service, presumably to France, on 7 November 1915, and returned on leave to the U.K. from May 29th to June 9th, 1917.

The group is sold with a contemporary portrait photograph and a quantity of original documentation, including British active service Pay Book, Platoon Roll Book, and Soldier’s Small Book, letters from the War Department in Washington and the American Embassy in London, April and May 1920, concerning “Distinguished Service Cross No. 5828, for transmittal to Sergeant Howarth”, and recommendation for D.S.C. submitted by Major M. J. Donoghue, 339th Inf., dated Economie, Russia, May 15, 1919.

Only 24 United States D.S.C’s were awarded to British Forces during the Great War and, of these, just 3 were awarded for Russia.