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Auction: 15002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 419

1914 Star, with copy Bar (342 L.Sjt H. Stevens. 2/Sea: Highrs), very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 22.9.1916 342 Coy. S./M. J. Stevens, Sea. Highrs.
'For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He led a bombing party against an enemy's strong point, which was holding up the attack. His party broke through and bombed up the enemy's trenches in face of strong opposition. He has shown great bravery and coolness in action.'

342 Company Sergeant Major John Stevens, served during the Great War with the 7th (Service) Battalion Seaforth Highlanders on the Western Front; the battalion served on the Somme, 1916, as part of the 26th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division and were engaged in the 'attack on Longueval (14/7) - in support at Montauban Alley and in action around Waterlot Farm. Positions held until relieved and to Carnoy (19/7). Casualties since (1/7) - 22 officers and 429 other ranks' (British Battalions on the Somme, R. Westlake, refers); Stevens was killed in action, 12.10.1916, and on the latter date having 'moved forward into trenches north-east of Euacourt l'Abbaye. Attack on Snag Trench- advancing on right suffered heavily from machine gun fire upon entering No Man's Land. British barrage falling short also caused casualties' (Ibid); Stevens is commemorated upon the Thiepval Memorial, France.

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Sold for
£120