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Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 102

(x) A scarce Battle of Mahiwa 1917 West African Frontier Force D.C.M. pair awarded to Gunner Modi, No. 1 Battery, Nigeria Regiment Artillery

West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., (81 Gnr: Modi. Art: Nig: R. W.A.F.F.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (81 Gnr. Modi. Nig. R. (Art.)), pitting and wear, fine (2)

165 G.V.R. issues.

W.A.F.F. D.C.M. Nigeria Gazette 24 December 1917. The following citation is extracted from With the Nigerians in German East Africa by Captain Downes:

'For gallantry and devotion to duty at Mahiwa on 16 October 1917, when he continued to work his gun under heavy fire until the rest of the gun were either killed or wounded. Though wounded, he then assisted his Officer in attempting to remove the breech lock under very heavy flanking fire at close range. When he found this was impossible he damaged the breech block as much as possible, and only abandoned the gun to the enemy when ordered to do so by his Officer, when the enemy were within 25 yards.'

Modi is noted upon his MIC as having served in theatre '5c' (Aden) from 23 September 1914. This appears to have been made in error as the unit first served in Togoland and Cameroon (4c), before serving in East Africa.

The 1st Nigeria Regiment, together with the Gambia Company and a section of the Nigerian Battery, under the command of Major Roberts, were amongst the first engaged in the battle at Mahiwa, suffering heavy casualties. Advancing from the Namupa Mission towards Nyango on 15 October the command came under fire and fell back to form a secure perimeter. The following day the column returned to Namupa Mission before advancing again to support Colonel Mann’s column at Mahiwa, which was to all intents and purposes besieged. On nearing the position held by Colonel Mann the column was attacked and suffered heavy casualties, being forced to withdraw. By 3pm on 16 October all the companies except the rearguard were in line and heavily engaged. Both guns of the Nigerian Battery action were put out of action by small arms fire, the entire team of one gun being either killed or wounded. The line was gradually forced back and Major Roberts ordered a general retirement to the Namupa Mission, which was reached without harassment about 7pm, the German forces apparently having had enough of the fight themselves and not following up the column.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£750

Starting price
£480