Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.C.M. pair awarded to Lance-Serjeant A. E. Collins, 23rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11874 Cpl.-L. Sjt., 23/North:d. R.) final two letters of unit are overstrikings; British War Medal 1914-20 (11874 Cpl., North’d. Fus.); together with an erased Victory Medal 1914-19, good very fine (3) £650-750

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 January 1920. No citation.

Collins came from Hebburn-on-Tyne. He entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 9 September 1915 - entitled to the 1914-15 Star. Transferred to Class “Z” Reserve after the war.

A note with the lot reads: ‘Prob. for gallantry with Bn. H.Q. when overrun on 21/3/18 at start of German offensive. Div. history states he was wounded in arm, led two counter-attacks. Late [gazette] entry suggests P.O.W.’