The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay

The superb Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C., D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Sergeant Major Joseph Littler, 2nd Battalion, later 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards, who formed part of the Bearer Company at the funeral of King Edward VII for which he was awarded the R.V.M.


Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse contemporarily engraved ‘8380 Sgt. Major J. Littler, 4th Bn. Gren Gds’; Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8380 Drill Sjt., 2/G.G.); 1914 Star, with clasp (8380 Dr. Sjt., 2/G. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (8380 W.O.Cl.I., G. Gds.); Royal Victorian Medal, E.VII.R., in bronze (8380 Sgt., 1st Bn. Gren. Gds. Bearer Party); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., type 1 (8380 S. Mjr., G. Gds.) first two with some contact wear, obverse of R.V.M. with old repair to suspension and a little polished, therefore generally nearly very fine or better (7) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918 Sergeant Major, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards).

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915 (Drill Sergeant, now Warrant Officer II, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards) ‘For conspicuous gallantry throughout the campaign. He has rendered invaluable service on all occasions and has never failed in any duty allotted to him however dangerous.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 May 1917 (Sergeant Major, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards).

R.V.M. London Gazette 7 June 1910 (Colour Sergeant, King’s Company (Bearer Company), 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards).

Joseph Littler was born in Runcorn, Cheshire and enlisted into the Grenadier Guards in 1899 aged 23, at which time he gave his profession as being a rock miner. He first served in France and Flanders with the B.E.F. from 13 August 1914 and was promoted to the rank of Drill Sergeant ‘in the field’ with the 2nd Battalion before being transferred to the 4th Battalion in May 1918 with the rank of Sergeant Major. He was discharged on 30 October 1920 on the termination of his second period of engagement.