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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 394

The D.C.M., M.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant R. Buttery, 11th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, for his bravery in clearing the way for a Lewis Gun team during the first day of the Battle of Messines

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (15862 L.Cpl R. Buttery. 11/W. York. R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (15862 L. Sjt: R. Buttery. 11/W. York. R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (15862 Sjt. R. Buttery. W. York. R.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Richard Buttery), minor contact marks to second, overall good very fine (4)

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 August 1917, the official citation states:

''Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in going forward single-handed and clearing the enemy from a trench from which they were holding up his Lewis gun and team. He attacked them several times, killing some and capturing others, and by his fearlessness and dash enabled his gun to be bought speedily into action.'

M.M. London Gazette 17 December 1917.

Richard Buttery was born at Famley, West Yorkshire on 7 January 1891, the son of Richard and Hannah Buttery of 324 New Row, Farnley, Leeds. He joined the Territorial Force as soon as he was able on 4 June 1908 with 8th (Leeds Rifles) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. Working as a Cloth Finisher in 1911 he was still living with his family, this time at 7 Silver Royd Street, Wortley, Leeds. Having seen a long period of service with the Territorial Force, Buttery was discharged on 3 June 1913 only to re-join in 1914 with the outbreak of war. Entering the War with 11th Battalion on 25 August 1917, he served with this unit for the duration of the conflict. The Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded for 7 June 1917, the first day of the Battle of Messines, when the 11th Battalion was stationed opposite Hill 60. Later awarded the Military Medal on 18 October 1917, likely during the Battle of Menin Road. Buttery died on 20 January 1919 while still serving and was buried at Leeds (Upper and Lower Wortley) Cemetery; sold together with the recipient's original Memorial Scroll and several photographs as well as copied research including census data, London Gazette entries and Commonwealth War Graves details as long with M.I.C. and extracts from the Battalion War Diary and Regimental histories.

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Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£1400