The Collection of Medals Formed By Dr A W Stott

A Great War D.S.O., M.C. and Bar group of nine awarded to Major J. R. Bodington, 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, later Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Military Commander of Solingen
Nine: Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., obverse centre a little depressed; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Major J. R. Boddington) the British War Medal erased; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D.; Order of Leopold I of Belgium, 5th class breast badge with swords, silver and enamels, generally very fine or better (9)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed By Dr A W Stott.

View
Collection

D.S.O. London Gazette 8 March 1919, details 4 October 1919: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and ability from 17 to 22 Oct. 1918. On 17 Oct. he was in command of the forward companies during the enemy retirement south of Lille. He commanded the advanced guard over a wide stretch of country with such energy and skill that the enemy rearguards were driven from successive positions, in one case in face of artillery at close range, the advance reaching a depth of 17,000 yards in one day.’

M.C. London Gazette 9 January 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He commanded his company in an attack when the left of our line were forced back and he led 130 men in a counter attack and captured a strongpoint against heavy odds. He only withdrew after all his ammunition had been expended, and his party were reduced to ten, who fought their way out. As a result of this gallant and determined conduct the withdrawal of our troops was covered and time was given to consolidate the line.

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a large number of the enemy forced their way into the flank and rear of the Brigade, this officer formed a defensive flank with his company and then made a recce of the situation though close to the enemy who bombed him and as a result made a position which checked them. He then proceeded to cut off isolated detachments at favourable points, capturing several hundred prisoners, including a Brigade Commander and other officers. During the following days he held a vital flank under heavy and almost incessant fire.’

John Redner Bodington served during the Second World War in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Admin Branch, and at the end of the war was Military Commander of Solingen, Germany, until June 1946 when the Civil Government took over. The lot is sold with a fine satin steel presentation plaque, 230mm x 170mm, inscribed in German: ‘Given to the Commander, The British Military Government of Solingen, Lieut-Colonel John R. Bodington, as a permanent memento, Solingen, June 1946, The town Solingen, The Mayor (signed)’, the whole inscription in raised letters below the Arms of Solingen and contained in a hinged leather presentation case, the lid with the recipients initials in large Gothic style steel letters; and a presentation Letter Opener with damascus steel blade incorporating facsimile of his signiature, silver mounts to black wooden grip which contains a pull-out silver slider with presentation inscription in German: ‘From the Town Mayor, Solingen, July 1945 - Lt.Col. John R. Bodington in friendship and remembrance.’

Together with original M.I.D. Certificate dated 20 December 1940, a portrait photograph and three group photographs.