Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 229

An outstanding Great War D.C.M. and Russian Medal of the Order of St. George group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal P. Gunner, Somerset Light Infantry, who having earned his Russian award and a 'mention' for gallantry at Ypres, was killed in action before he could receive his well-deserved D.C.M.

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9199 L. Cpl. P. Gunner. 8/Som: L. I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Som: L. I.), gilt; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (9199 Pte. P. Gunner. Som. L. I.); Russia, Imperial, Medal of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, officially numbered '165069' and impressed upon the rim '9199 Pte. P. Gunner. 1/Somt. L. I.', together with the recipient's Memorial Plaque (Percy Gunner), good very fine (6)

D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916.

'For conspicuous gallantry, when he carried important messages under heavy fire. He has been previously recommended for his bravery and ability, on an occasion when he took command of his platoon after all the non-commissioned officers had been killed or wounded.'

Russian Medal of the Order of St. George London Gazette 25 August 1915.

Percy Gunner was born in 1895 at Gunner's Farm, Worplesdon, Surrey and enlisted in the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry at Tregantle, Cornwall. Having landed in France on 21 August 1914, Gunner was quickly in action and gained a 'mention' in the despatch of Field Marshal French, dated 20 November 1914, covering the period of activity 11 October - 2 November 1914. During this period of fighting in the Armentieres-Ypres area, the 1st Battalion was prominent in and around Le Gheer and St. Ives (London Gazette 17 February 1915, refers). The Battalion earned 13 'mentions', this being one of two to Privates.

Gunner gained further laurels in 1915 - the Russian Medal of the Order of St. George and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Transferred to the 8th Battalion, which landed in France in September, journey's end would come on 6 December 1915, aged just 20. Fellow battalion member, Private J. Carpenter, also aged 20, would be killed on the same day. Gunner is buried alongside his comrade in the Chapelle-d'Armentieres New Military Cemetery and is commemorated upon the Burpham Memorial, Surrey and in Bath Abbey.

Percy's younger brother, Frank, had his leg blown off whilst serving with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry just two days prior, 4 December 1915. A third brother, John, served with the Irish Guards.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£2,000