The Julian Johnson Collection

A scarce Great War D.C.M. and Roumanian D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major A. L. Polk, Royal Field Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (25931 B.S. Mjr:- A.R.S. Mjr:- A. L. Polk. R.F.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Paardeberg, Johannesburg, South Africa 1901 (25931 Dr. A. L. Polk. 18th Batt. R.F.A.) partially officially renamed; 1914 Star (25931 Sjt. A. [sic] Polk. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (25931 A.W.O. Cl. 1 A. L. Polk. R.A.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (25931 B.S. MJr. A. L. Polk. R.F.A.); Roumania, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1st Class, with Swords, mounted as originally worn, suspension of last repaired, and gilt worn, minor edge bruising overall, generally nearly very fine or better (8) £800-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Julian Johnson Collection.

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Provenance: DNW, March 1997.

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 February 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During operations he rendered valuable assistance in patrolling of lines and visiting stations under heavy shell fire with an absolute disregard of danger.

By unfailing good work and devotion to duty he has at all times inspired all ranks to work cheerfully, and has set a splendid example.’

Roumania, Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1st Class London Gazette 20 September 1919.

Arthur Lawrence Polk was born in Guildford, Surrey, and attested for the Royal Artillery at the town of his birth, in February 1898. He served with the 18th Battery, Royal Field Artillery during the Second Boer War. He advanced to Bombardier in 1905, and served during the Great War with the R.F.A. in the French theatre of war from 4 September 1915. Appointed Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, he served with 98th and 99th Brigade R.F.A. in Salonica from November 1915. He was discharged 22 May 1919, having served 21 years and 111 days.