Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. pair awarded to Lieutenant A. J. T. Bland, Royal Field Artillery

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, in case of issue; British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. A. J. T. Bland.) good very fine (2) £400-£500

M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917; citation published 11 March 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a truck of ammunition was set on fire by a shell he, with three N.C.O.'s, with an utter disregard of danger from the burning ammunition or the hostile shelling, rushed to the truck and succeeded in putting out the fire. Later on the same evening a truck loaded with cordite was set alight by a shell, and he again, accompanied by a corporal, succeeded in putting out the fire and saving the ammunition.’

Arthur James Tyrell Bland was born on 20 May 1894 in New Milverton, Warwickshire. Serving with the Royal Field Artillery Special Reserve he was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 1 June 1915 and served during the Great War on the Western Front from 30 September 1915. Advanced Lieutenant, for his gallantry during the Great War he was awarded the Military Cross.

Bland’s Medal Index Card shows eligibility for the Silver War Badge. He was returned to the Royal Artillery under an emergency commission on 2 October 1939, and died in 1969.