An outstanding Great War M.C. & Bar, M.M. group of five awarded to Captain P. J. Reiss, Bedfordshire Regiment, late Company Sergeant-Major, Royal Fusiliers

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; Military Medal, G.V.R. (1986 C.S. Mjr., 18/R. Fus.); 1914-15 Star (1986 C.S. Mjr., 18/R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) good very fine (5) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late John Seabrook.

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M.M. London Gazette 11 November 1916.

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1917: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed initiative and fine leadership in a very exposed position for about 18 hours, though severely wounded under very heavy fire, until ordered to retire, when he successfully withdrew his party.”

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918: “For remarkable courage and tenacity in holding with his company a newly-won front line in spite of a terrific bombardment which blew in much of the trench, followed by a vigorous attack by the enemy. At the head of a communication trench with a handful of men he put up a desperate resistance, throwing over two boxes of grenades himself and forcing back large numbers of the enemy. Finally he was attacked from both sides and was compelled to withdraw. He set a fine example to all ranks, and was the last to leave the trench,”

Captain Reiss was wounded on the Somme on 12 October 1916, as a Second Lieutenant with the 2nd Bedfords. He was wounded for a second time as a Lieutenant with the 7th Bedfords at Cherisy on 3 May 1917, on which occasion he won the Military Cross. Back with the 2nd Bedfords, and now Acting Captain, he won the Bar to his Military Cross at Albert on 3 July 1918, and was wounded for a third time at Le Cateau on 24 October 1918.

Approximately 37 combinations of M.C. & Bar, M.M. were made during the Great War, but this figure includes some who gained further awards in addition.