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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 394

The campaign group of three awarded to Quartermaster Serjeant H. Powles, D.C.M., No. 2 (Royal Anglesey) Siege Company, Royal Engineers (Special Reserve), who died in service in 1922

1914-15 Star (7257. Spr. H. Powles, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (7257 Sjt. H. Powles. R.E.), good very fine (3)

[D.C.M.] London Gazette 11 March 1920:

'The work of this non-commissioned officer has been consistently good and conspicuous throughout his service, especially during the advance in the autumn of 1918. The keenness which he displayed when constructing the heavy bridges under shell fire contributed in no small degree to the success of these important works.'

Herbert Loder Powles was born at Acton, London in August 1922, the son of Harry and Annie Powles of 36 Strafford Road, Acton. Working as Instrument Maker at an Electrical Engineers by 1911. Powles entered the Great War in France on 9 April 1915 with the Royal Engineers.

He quickly proved his worth, being promoted Sergeant and joining No. 2 (Royal Anglesey) Siege Company with the service number: 397257. Still with this unit in 1918 after the collapse of German resistance they were heavily employed during the Pursuit to Mons, Crossing of the Canal Du Nord and final Battle of Cambrai. During this time Powles was especially active, so much so that he was honoured with the D.C.M. in 1920 and appointed Company Quartermaster Sergeant.

Remaining with the Military Powles went on to be promoted Quartermaster Sergeant. He was stationed in the South-Eastern District in August 1922 when he died unexpectedly. Buried at his native Acton Cemetery, Powles was survived by his wife Maud and son William. Given his relative youth and the fact that the family received a pension it is likely that his death related illness or injury sustained during his war service; sold together with copied research including census data, copied citation and medal rolls.

His D.C.M. was sold in the Llewellyn Lord Collection at DNW in September 2016.

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Sold for
£150

Starting price
£60