Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Bar group of six awarded to Captain L. Jacques, 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., Notts. & Derby. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); Defence and War Medals, unnamed, mounted as worn, slight edge bruising, good very fine (6)
£1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Medals to the Sherwood Foresters.

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M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a defence and subsequent withdrawal, he commanded a company, in the absence of his company commander, displaying great ability and courage in extricating his men from difficult situations during the retirement. By his utter disregard of danger he inspired the men with confidence and determination.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 11 January 1919. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack in a wood this officer was in command of the support company, and seeing that the right front company had missed its direction, he moved into the gap and captured seventy-five prisoners without a single casualty. Leaving a garrison there, he led forward two platoons to the final objective, which he captured with all the men in it. Quickly reorganising, he brought a Lewis Gun to bear on two field guns, which were captured. His leadership and initiative were brilliant.’

Lewis Jacques was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on 24 January 1915. He entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 2 October 1915 and joined the 10th Battalion at Hooge on 4 December 1915. Promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1917. After a period of time in England on sick leave, May-November 1917, Jacques returned to his battalion in France. With them he won the the M.C. for his bravery and leadership during the retreat from Hermies, April 1918. Later, as a Temporary Captain he was awarded a Bar to his M.C. for his conspicuous gallantry and leadership during a successful attack on 18 September 1918. Promoted to Captain and O.C. of ‘D’ Company in December 1918. Later with the 2nd Battalion he served in Egypt and Turkey. He retired with the rank of Captain on 5 September 1922. During the Second World War he served as a Recruiting Officer. He died in 1957.

With card forwarding box for his W.W.2 medals addressed to ‘Capt. L. Jacques, The Manor House, Riber, Matlock, Derbyshire’; copied photographs of the recipient and copied research.