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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 390

'About 1936, Company-Sergeant-Major Gubbins [SIC], D.C.M., of "A" Company reminded me of an incident occurring early in October and illustrating this promptitude: He told me that one day a German mine exploded close to our parapet when I was present. On my nod towards the high rim of the crater with the words "take it" (uttered before the clods of earth had fallen), he had his nearest posts scrambling on the slight ridge before the enemy could secure it'

An 'Old Contemptibles' D.C.M., Croix de Guerre, group of five awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major A. G. Gubbings who took part in the V.C. winning action of Lieutenant Philip Neame at Neuve Chapelle before winning the D.C.M. at the attack on Villers Guislain

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9054 A.C.S.Mjr: A. G. Gubbings. 2/W.York:R.); 1914 Star (9054 Pte A. G. Gubbings. 2/W.York:R.); British and Victory Medals (9054 W. O. Cl. 2. A. G. Gubbings. W. York. R.); France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, with Palme, minor contact wear and edge bruising, very fine (5)

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 July 1917, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great dash and initiative in reorganising the company after the capture of the village. He rendered valuable service at a time when the situation was obscure'

Croix De Guerre London Gazette 24 February 1916.

Albert George Gubbings (also spelled Gubbins) was born at Clapton, Middlesex in 1890, the son of John and Elizabeth Gubbings of 4 Oswald Street, Clapton. Attesting with the Lancashire Regiment as a Private on 8 May 1908 he remained with them until 4 January 1909 when he transferred to the West Yorkshire Regiment. Posted twice to Malta before the war, once from 10 January 1912-6 June 1913 and again from 9 June 1914- 26 September 1914. He later entered the war in France on 7 October 1914 with 2nd Battalion. Appointed Lance Corporal in 1914 he was present at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle during the V.C. winning action of Lieutenant, later Lieutenant-General, Neame. Gubbings is said to have been one of the soldier's Neame rescued and to have aided him in igniting the bombs that he was throwing. It is likely that Gubbings' award of the Croix de Guerre relates to this action.

He continued to serve outstandingly with a promotion to Lance-Sergeant on 8 April 1916. When the Battalion took part in the capture of Villers Guislains, Gubbings played a prominent role, the official recommendation takes up the story, stating:

'For conspicuous ability and dash at Villers Guislains on the 18th April 1917, in assisting to quickly reorganise his Company after the capture of the village, and most particularly in the village during the dark when the situation was momentarily obscure, and under a somewhat sharp fire he observed an enemy group retiring and instantly collected a few of the nearest men and cut them off, capturing an NC.O [SIC], and five others. The manoeuvre was not without risk, as a good many enemy groups were not yet clear of the village.
He has served continuously in France with his Regiment for 2 years and 5 months, including the actions of Neuve Chapelle, Fromelles, Bois Grenier, Ovillers, 1st July, 1916, Le Boeufs 23rd October, 1917, and Fritz Trench 4th March, 1917, and is a notoriously gallant warrant officer.'

A written account provides further detail on the action. Adding that when a German Machine gun was being set up to target the disorganised troops, that Gubbings 'prevents the gun from being properly placed while Reese with six riflemen, hurrying round, rush it from a flank and capture one of the crew. The instant decision of these gallant men probably saves their company many casualties.'. Gubbings was later wounded at Passchendeale on 1 August 1917, with his records noting a Gunshot wound to the chest. He was invalided on 28 June 1919 with his final rank noted as Acting Regimental Sergeant-Major. Notably Gubbings served alongside his two brothers who fought together in the same unit.

After the war Gubbings went to work for Messers A Goodman and Co. Ltd. before going onto the role of Head Messenger (Air Ministry). He died on 7 June 1970 at Ladywell Lodge, 82 Ladywell Road, Ladywell; sold together with copied research including, census data, marriage and death certificates as well as M.I.C., service papers and London Gazette extracts along with obituaries, extracts from relevant histories and copied research relating to the recipient's brothers.

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Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£900