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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 216

(x) A fine 'Spring Offensive 1918' M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant R. Perry, 17th (British Empire League) Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps late 6th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

Military Cross G.V., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star, erased; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. R. Perry), contact marks, very fine (4)

M.C. London Gazette 16 September 1918:

'For conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty. After going forward under heavy machine gun fire to ascertain the situation, he returned and led his platoon successfully forward, consolidated his position with great skill and held on until withdrawn two days later. By his success, he rendered fine service. Throughout operations his courage and cheerfulness were a fine example to his men.'

Roland Perry was born on 18 May 1891 at North Shields, Northumberland and enlisted with the, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry as a Private (No. 10908). He served in France from 22 May 1915 (1914-15 Star) with the 6th Battalion, this formation saw action at Hooge not long afterward in which they were with the first British Division to be attacked with flamethrowers.

Commissioned into the King's Royal Rifle Corps as Temporary Second Lieutenant on 29 August 1917. Posted to the 17th (British Empire League) Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps this unit saw heavy fighting at Passchendaele and later during the German Spring Offensive at St. Quentin, the Somme Crossings and Bapaume. Transferring to Flanders they saw such heavy fighting during both Battles for Kemmel that they found themselves reduced to a Cadre and posted for training duties with the American 77th Division.

This makes it very likely that Perry won his award during the Spring Offensive as the Battalion ceased to be a frontline unit in May. After the war was living in Middlesborough when he applied for his medals in 1921, Perry died at Oswestry in April 1973; sold together with copied research.

He is the only Officer to have his Pair issued with this rank, initials and surname.

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

Sold for
£600

Starting price
£320