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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 663

(x) An inspirational Western Front D.C.M. group of five awarded to Acting Colour Sergeant J. Messenger, Bedfordshire Regiment, late Middlesex Regiment, who successfully rescued a wounded man who had laid in the open just yards from the enemy front line for four days

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8199 A.Cpl. J. Messenger. 4/Middx: R.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (2699 Pte. J. Messenger. Middlesex Regt.); 1914-15 Star (8199 L.Cpl. J. Messenger. Midd'x R.); British War and Victory Medals (8199 A.C.Sjt. J. Messenger. Midd'x R.), claw to second tightened and filed, very fine (5)

D.C.M. London Gazette 4 January 1916. The citation, published on 11 March 1916 states:

'For conspicuous gallantry. When with a covering party to some Royal Engineers who were working in front of our lines he heard groaning, crawled forward to within 15 yards of the enemy's trench and found a man who had been lying wounded four days. He went back for help, returned, and crawled safely back with the wounded man.'

John Messenger served in France from 14 April 1915 with the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. A pre-war sweeper working for the Highways Committee of Westminster Council, London, Messenger was awarded the D.C.M. and a letter of congratulations from the committee of the Council, signed by Lord Cheylesmore, for his gallantry on the battlefield. A contemporary newspaper clipping adds:

'Sweeper Messenger has exchanged the mud of Westminster for the mud of Flanders to some profit.'

Having left the life of 'orderly trucks' and 'barging rubbish'.

Messenger was discharged on 4 July 1918 (awarded Silver War Badge No. 415720). His MIC notes a mention, although it has not been traced.

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Sold for
£850

Starting price
£480