Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd

A Great War M.C. and Second Award Bar group of seven awarded to Lieutenant W. Gresty, Manchester Regiment, later Squadron Leader, Auxiliary Air Force

Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, reverse contemporarily engraved ‘Lieut. W. Gresty, 7th. Batt the Manchester Regt. -Havrincourt- -La Signy Farm-’; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. W. Gresty.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sqn. Ldr. W. Gresty. A.A.F.) generally very fine and better (7) £1,800-£2,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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M.C. London Gazette 15 October 1918.
The original 42nd Division recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and leadership in the attack on and capture of the enemy system of trenches north of La Signy Farm, on the night of 20-21 July 1918. This officer gallantly led the attack, and its complete success was largely due to his fine leadership and initiative.’

M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 1 February 1919.
The original 42nd Division recommendation states: ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and leadership during the operations S.E. of Havrincourt on 27 September 1918, when in command of a company. He led his men with the utmost gallantry and skill, advancing in command of his company to a depth of 3,000 yards under extremely heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, and capturing his objective at the head of only 40 men. During the greater part of his advance he was engaged by enemy machine-guns, not only from the front, but from his right flank and right rear. He displayed throughout leadership and initiative of the highest order.’

Walter Gresty, who was from Pendleton, Manchester, was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment, and served with the 1st/7th Battalion during the Great War in the Egypt theatre of war from January 1916. Proceeding to the Western Front, he was, as a Lieutenant, awarded both the M.C. and a Second Award Bar for subsequent acts of gallantry in France in the summer of 1918.

Gresty subsequently joining the Auxiliary Air Force, and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 924 (East Lancashire) (Balloon) Squadron, A.A.F., in February 1939. Advanced to Flight Lieutenant before the year’s end, he presumably saw active service with the B.E.F. in 1940 and, having then gained advancement to Squadron Leader, was awarded the Air Efficiency Award in March 1947.

Sold with original 42nd Division citations for his M.C. and Bar, signed by the Major-General Commanding and as cited above; and copied research.