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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 92

Four: Lieutenant J. B. Gregory, Army Educational Corps, late Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, who published his remarkable experiences during the Great War in 1924

British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. B. Gregory.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, in their named card box of issue to 'Lt. J. B. Gregory. 23, Crescent Gdns, Wimbledon Park, London S.W.19.', good very fine (4)

John Bonar Gregory was born on 23 November 1896 at Kilmarnock. Educated at the Glasgow Academy and University of Edinburgh, he was commissioned into the 5th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and proceeded to France in September 1916. During the course of the war, he was also attached to the 1st Scottish Division and then joined the Machine Gun Corps. He was noted by the Divisional Commander for gallantry on the night of 25-26 October 1918, when the billet in which he and his men took a direct hit from two shells. A number of his comrades were buried under the debris but Gregory was the most senior Officer to be commended, together with 2nd Lieutenant A. F. Thomas and Privates V. Pratty (No. 855305) and W. Carroll (No. 157062), for their actions which '...undoubtedly saved the lives of many of the section.'

Pratty was duly 'mentioned' (London Gazette 10 July 1919, refers) but the others gained no further laurels. Gregory was a teacher by profession and was Assistant Master at the Lycee Marceau, Chartes (1921-22), Crewkerne School (1923-27) and Mercers' School, Holborn (1927 onwards).

Clearly a deep thinker, he published France 1916-1917-1918 - From a Soldier's Diary in 1924 which was dedicated 'To my old comrades' and had the following foreword by Gregory:

'This narrative is founded upon the war-diary of a young soldier. He is not distinguished from his modesty but he is so interested in himself and what he did, that it should not be difficult for others not to be interested so.

The reasons for reviving memories of the German War, are first, to do honour to the dead, and in the second place to give expression to the long-pent-up feelings of the living.

With regard to the second reason, it may not generally be known that a method of treating shell-shock cases which met with great success, was to insist upon them going over their war-experiences in detail with a thoroughly sympathetic listener.

If this soldier helps some of his old comrades to open up that part of their brain which they have shut down so fast, his little book will have done its business. JGB.'

Given the views he offers, it is fair to say Gregory was more than a little forward-thinking for his time. He had clearly spotted what might now be referred to as PTSD amongst his comrades which is notable. Copied extracts accompany the Lot.

Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Gregory was re-commissioned as Lieutenant into the Army Educational Corps.

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Sold for
£75

Starting price
£60