Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘German Spring Offensive’ 1918 D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant A. Kennedy, 8th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (30070 Cpl. A. Kennedy. 1/8-A. & S.H.) an officially re-impressed later issue; 1914-15 Star (1041 Pte. A. Kennedy. A. & S.H.); British War and Victory Medals (1041 Sjt. A. Kennedy. A. & S.H.) the last three impressed in small capitals and probably later issues; together with a presentation Hunter pocket watch, the movement by Rolex, in 10 carat gold plate case, the outer case inscribed ‘Kilfinan Parish. Presented to Sgt. Allan Kennedy, D.C.M. in appreciation of his services during the Great War 1914-1919’, glass missing and watch not working, medals good very fine (4) £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the signalling officer and sergeant had both been wounded, he took charge of the signal section and maintained constant communication with the front companies in spite of heavy enemy attacks and the telephone wires being repeatedly cut by shell fire. His courage and resource did much to encourage the men employed with him.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘W. of Merville, 12-14 April 1918.’

Allan Kennedy served in France with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders from 1 May 1915. He won the D.C.M. with the 8th Battalion during the fighting around St Floris and St Venant, west of Merville, 12-14th April 1918.

Sold with a scarce 8th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders white metal glengarry badge with unvoided centre and two lugs to reverse; together with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, gazette notices, and extracts from Battalion War Diaries.

The recipient’s Medal Index Card confirms that the D.C.M. and trio were replaced, by request of O/C commanding 8/A&SH, on 28 February 1925; consequently the medals in this lot are official replacements, rather than later issues.