A Collection of Medals to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers

An outstanding Great War M.C. and Second Award Bar group of three awarded to Lieutenant J. R. Hughes-Jones, 6th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, attached Hawke Battalion, 63rd Royal Naval Division

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, the reverse of the cross inscribed ‘Lt J. R. Hughes-Jones. 6th R.W.F.’; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. R. Hughes-Jones.) extremely fine (3) £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

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M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919:
‘On two separate occasions he rushed two machine-gun positions, being well ahead of his men, whom he led with conspicuous gallantry. On another occasion he carried out a daylight reconnaissance 2,000 yards into the enemy’s position, bringing back information of the utmost value. His complete disregard of danger inspired all ranks with confidence.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 15 February 1919; citation published London Gazette 30 July 1919:
‘During the operations before Graincourt, September 27th, 1918, he led his platoon forward in a very marked manner. When they became scattered by heavy machine-gun fire he, by his fine example of fearlessness, was able to re-form them and continue the advance. He cleared the village in spite of heavy fire and entered the Graincourt Line, capturing a number of prisoners. On September 29th he again distinguished himself by pushing forward when the line showed signs of hesitation, and maintaining the advance. Throughout the operations he set a very high example of courage and initiative to his men.’

John Rees Hughes-Jones was commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Territorial Force), and served during the Great War attached to the Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 63rd Royal Naval Division on the Western Front from 6 July 1917. For his services during the Advance to Victory on the Western Front in August and September 1918, he was awarded both the Military Cross and a Second Award Bar.- The Hawke Battalion, by Douglas Jerrold giving further details as to the first M.C. action:
‘The early morning sun [on 25 August 1918], looming like a red disc through the mist, kept the two companies on their course, and they found themselves crossing the valley south-east of Ligny-Thilloy punctually and according to plan. Still stealing unawares on a somnolent enemy, they surprised in the hollow of the valley a battery of 5.9’s, and captured the guns’ crews without a shot being fired.’

Sold with a copy of The Hawke Battalion, by Douglas Jerrold, which contains an annotated group photographic image featuring the recipient.