A good Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Company Sergeant Major George Thompson, 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was taken prisoner of war and brought to notice for gallantry at the Battle of Loos

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5115 C. S. Mjr., 1/L.N. Lan. R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 (5115 L. Cpl., 1st L.N. Lanc. Regt. M.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (5115 C. Sjt., L.N. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (5115 C. Sjt., L.N. Lan. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., type 1 (5115 C.S. Mjr., L.N. Lan. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., type 3 (5115 W.O.Cl.2., Loyals) some contact wear and edge bruising, therefore generally nearly very fine and better (7) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920. Awarded under the general heading: ‘The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the under-mentioned rewards, in recognition of distinguished services in the field, which have been brought to notice in accordance with the terms of Army Order 193 of 1919.’

The Lancashire Daily Post of 1 January 1916 states that C.S.M. Thompson was ‘brought to notice and recommended for gallant conduct at Loos.’ The 1st Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment suffered terribly in this action, with the loss of 16 officers and 489 other ranks killed wounded and missing. As the award of the D.C.M. is made under the general heading covering returned prisoners of war it is almost certain that Thompson’s D.C.M. was a retrospective award in recognition of his gallantry on 25 September 1915 at Loos.

M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1916.

M.S.M. awarded in Army Order 98 of 1953 without annuity.

Sold with copy m.i.c. which confirms entitlement to ‘clasp & roses.’