Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War Western Front ‘Maretz, October 1918’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private G. D. Cobb, 1/5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, late 13th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, who, despite having been wounded earlier, single-handed captured a German officer with a machine gun; he subsequently died of his wounds

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (39863 Pte. G. D. Cobb. 1/5 Glouc: R.) with flattened named card box of issue; British War and Victory Medals (23074 Pte. G. D. Cobb. York. R.) with flattened named card box of issue, together with Memorial Plaque (Granville Douglas Cobb) with Buckingham Palace enclosure and card envelope of issue, medals loose as issued, extremely fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919:
‘For most conspicuous gallantry at Maretz on 9th October 1918. He entered a house with his platoon serjeant in which were a number of the enemy, of whom they forced fifteen to surrender, but an officer went back and appeared again with a machine-gun, which he was bringing into action through a window. He immediately rushed him single-handed, capturing him and the machine-gun. His fine action saved many casualties. He had been wounded immediately prior to this, but had refused to go to the dressing station. He set a splendid example to all ranks in his platoon.’

Granville Douglas Cobb served in France and Flanders with the 13th Yorkshire Regiment, and the 9th and 1/5th battalions of the Gloucestershire Regiment. He was awarded the D.C.M. for the greatest gallantry in rushing a house near Maretz [s.e. of Cambrai] and capturing single-handed a German officer with a machine-gun, despite having been previously wounded. He died of his wounds on 18 October 1918, and is buried in Serain Communal Cemetery Extension, Aisne, France. His death was reported in the Sheffield Weekly News, 2 November 1918: ‘COBB - Pte Granville Douglas, residing Maltby, late of Sheffield, officially reported died of wounds 18th October 1918 after being recommended for D.C.M. for gallant work on October 9th, 1918 - From his loving Brother and Sister-in-law, Harry and Minnie.’

Sold with photos of grave together with copied research including Medal Index Card, medal roll and War Diary extracts