A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.C. group of seven awarded to Quarter Master and Captain, late Colour Sergeant, J. R. Wall, Worcestershire Regiment, who was twice Mentioned in Despatches for the Boer War, and also Mentioned in Despatches for his services during the Great War

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse engraved ‘Capt. J. R. Wall, Worcs. Regt.’; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (2765 Clr: Serjt: J. R. Wall, Worcester: Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (2765 Clr:-Serjt: J. Wall. Worcester: Regt.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oak Leaves (Q.M. & Capt. J. R. Wall.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2765 C. Sgt: J. Wall. Worc: Regt.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 3rd issue (2765 C/Sjt. J. Wall. Worc. R.) light contact marks to earlier awards, otherwise good very fine (7) £1000-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Worcestershire Regiment formed by Group Captain J. E. Barker.

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M.C. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1901; 29 July 1902 and 18 December 1917.

John Richard Wall was born in Holdgate, Shropshire, and attested for the Worcestershire Regiment in 1890. He served as a Sergeant with the 1st Battalion during the Second Boer War. During service in South Africa he advanced to Colour Sergeant, was brought to the notice of the Divisional Commander, and twice Mentioned in Despatches (awarded L.S. & G.C. April 1909). Wall was discharged 28 February 1914, having served 23 years and 121 days service with the Colours.

Wall re-engaged for service during the Great War, and was appointed Quarter Master and Honorary Lieutenant with the 8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, 12 May 1915. He served with the 2/8th Worcestershire Regiment in the French theatre of war from May 1916. Wall advanced to Captain, and remained in the French theatre of war until November 1918 (he was awarded his M.C. for services during 1918, and presented with it 29 January 1919). He remained with the Battalion in France until April 1919, when they received orders to proceed to Egypt. Stationed at Sidi Bish, near Alexandria, they were employed on guard duty, picquets and escorts to prisoners of war.

The 2/8 Worcesters War Diary records that on 30 July 1919, Wall and 11 other ranks embarked at Alexandria as part of an escort for Turkish prisoners of war. Orders for the unit’s disbandment came through in September 1919, and Wall returned to the UK. He was finally discharged in May 1923, having completed 33 years service with the Regiment (awarded M.S.M. in 1953).

Sold with a file of copied research, and several photographic images of recipient.