A Great War D.S.O. and Bar group of four awarded to Major T. P. Jones, 4th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who commanded his unit - otherwise known as the “Mad Fourth” - on the Somme in 1916

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt and enamel; 1914-15 Star (Capt. T. P. Jones, 4/Can. Inf.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Major T. P. Jones), generally good very fine (4) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Canadian Expeditonary Force 1914-1918.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 1 January 1917.

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 2 April 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion in the operations near Valenciennes from 1-6 November 1918. His work as Brigade Major was of the highest order, and largely contributed to the success of the Brigade in the capture of Valenciennes and towns further east. He also made several daring reconnaissances under severe fire, and secured exact information which enabled the enemy’s disposition to be effectively dealt with and the advance to continue.’

Terence Percival Jones, who was born in 1892, was a pre-war officer in the Militia, having been commissioned in the Dufferin Rifles of Canada in February 1911 and advanced to Captain in May 1914.

Joining the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September of the latter year, he was embarked for France as a Platoon Commander in ‘B’ Company, 4th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, in April 1915. Given the Brevet of Major in the following month, he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 5 June 1916 refers), and was granted temporary command of the Battalion on the Somme in September 1916, the latter appointment no doubt resulting in his first D.S.O. and another “mention” (London Gazette 2 January 1917 refers).

Having then served as Adjutant of the Battalion in early 1917, he was appointed a Brigade Major in 12th Canadian Infantry Brigade, and added Bar to his D.S.O. for the above cited action at Valenciennes in November 1918, in addition to his third “mention” (London Gazette 11 July 1919 refers).

Demobilised back in Ottawa in November 1919, Jones remained on the Militia and was finally placed on the Reserve of Officers in December 1936.

Sold with copied service record.