Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War 'Salonica' D.S.O., M.C., Al Valore Militare group of six awarded to Major R. H. Jones, King's Liverpool Regiment, late Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and Hampshire Regiment, who repeatedly displayed marked leadership in patrol actions

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut: R. H. Jones. L'pool R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major R. H. Jones.); Italy, Kingdom, Al Valore Militare, silver, unnamed as issued, gilding slightly rubbed on first, otherwise good very fine and better (6) £2,600-£3,000

D.S.O. London Gazette 1 February 1919:
'For conspicuous gallantry during an attack on an enemy position at White Scar Hill on September 18th, 1918. He was in charge of the attacking party, and, owing largely to his courage and determination, the enemy position was taken by assault. Under subsequent heavy shelling he held on to the position, and when ordered withdrew his force in order to our lines. His coolness and disregard for safety were most marked.'

M.C. London Gazette 19 April 1917:
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He handled his party with great courage and initiative throughout. On one occasion he was in command of a party which accounted for eleven of the enemy.'

Italian Al Valore Militare in silver, London Gazette 31 August 1917.

Richard Hodkinson Jones was born in the parish of Westhoughton, Lancaster, on 18 May 1890. A schoolmaster, he was appointed to a Commission on 2 December 1914 as Temporary Second Lieutenant, 14th (Service) Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment. Serving as part of 22nd Division, he fought in Salonika from 6 November 1915 and took part in the action at Macukovo, where men of the King's Liverpool Regiment and Lancashire Fusiliers briefly captured a ruined village and killed over 200 of the enemy amidst brutal hand-to-hand fighting. Jones was subsequently awarded the Military Cross for a patrol action against the Bulgars at Cakli, and was wounded not long thereafter on 2 May 1917 at Pearse Ravine.

Specially employed with the 12th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, from 13 July 1917, Jones was again conspicuous for his gallantry and devotion to duty at White Scar Hill. For this outstanding display of courage, he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order and Mentioned in Despatches on 30 April 1919. Following steady promotion throughout the war years, on 12 April 1920 Jones was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel whilst commanding the 7th Battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry as part of the Army of Occupation. He finally relinquished his commission a couple of months later and returned to his school master's duties, but satisfaction in civilian life was short lived. In 1921, Jones returned to the Army and the 2nd Battalion, King's Regiment, but further recognition and career progression was curtailed due to failing health. Forced to retire in the rank of Major on 15 July 1930, Jones died at the British Sanatorium, Montana, Switzerland, on 13 May 1931.

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