The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Four: Warrant Officer Class II A. J. Owen, Middlesex Regiment, who was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry at the Battle of Langemarck in August 1917

1914-15 Star (1112. L-Cpl. A. J. Owen. Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1112 W.O. Cl.2. A. J. Owen. Midd’x R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (200027 C.S. Mjr. A. J. Owen. D.C.M. 7/Midd’x R.) good very fine (4) £180-£220

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Provenance: Tinlin Collection, Glendining’s, December 1965.

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917; citation published 26 January 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His company was moved forward in support, and for two nights organised and held an advanced line of shell holes under intense fire. His splendid fearlessness, determination, and ability greatly encouraged and inspired his company under very difficult conditions.’

Arthur J. Own attested for the Middlesex Regiment and served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 March 1915. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the Battle of Langemarck, 16 to 18 August 1917, described in the History of the Seventh Middlesex by E. J. King as ‘the most confused and futile of all the battles in which the battalion was ever engaged. To most of the officers and men taking part, it never seemed anything but an aimless floundering about in thick mud or slushy swamps, whilst suffering horrible losses from the heavy artillery and machine gun fire. The total casualties of the battalion were 28 other ranks killed, 9 officers and 166 other ranks wounded, and 9 missing, as well as 3 officers and 53 other ranks sent to hospital sick. In recognition of their gallant conduct during the battle, the Military Cross was conferred upon Captain D. P. Shiell and Second Lieutenant H. Fisher; the Distinguished Conduct Medal was conferred upon Company Sergeant Major A. J. Owen; and the Military Medal upon Sergeant W. J. Stanford and five Privates.’