A fine Great War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Company Sergeant-Major T. Blockley, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was twice buried by shell fire and wounded in several places

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (16998 Sjt. T. Blockley, 8/Y. & L.R.); 1914-15 Star (16998 Cpl. T. Blockley, York. & Lanc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (W.O. Cl. 2. T. Blockley, Y. &. L.R.); Italy, War Cross, contact marks, otherwise better than very fine (5) £1000-1200

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 July 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst in charge of a working party he showed great coolness and courage under heavy shell-fire during which he was wounded in several places and buried twice. Notwithstanding this he carried on with his work and then skilfully withdrew his party.’

Italian War Cross London Gazette 17 May 1919.

Thomas Blockley first went to France in late May 1915, as a Corporal in the 8th Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment. The combination of his D.C.M. and Italian War Cross is unique to the Battalion.