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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 187

(x) The Great War D.C.M., M.S.M. group of seven awarded to Warrant Officer Class II A. J. Vinten, Royal Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (36436 Sjt. A. Vinten. 5/Siege Bty. R.G.A.); 1914 Star, clasp (36436 A.Bombr: A. Vinten. R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (36436 A.W.O.CL.2. A. Vinten. R.A.); British War Medal 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (1407243 W.O.CL.II. A. Vinten. D.C.M. R.A.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R. (1407243 W.O.CL.2 A. Vinten. D.C.M. R.A.), mounted court style for display, contact marks, edge wear, some with pitting from Star, overall very fine (7)

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 March 1916:

"For conspicuous gallantry in volunteering to lay out telephone wires over a long distance under continuous heavy shell fire, and thus successfully maintaining communications."

Alfred James Vinten was born in Maidstone, Kent on 25 May 1893. At Stratford on 2 December 1911, at age eighteen, Vinten engaged with the Royal Artillery to complete twenty one years' service with the Colours. Vinten disembarked at the Western Front on 25 September 1914 with the 4th Siege Battery, and was to spend much of the Great War serving at the Front lines.

In July 1915 he was given a week's leave at home, where got special license to marry Emily Mary Hill at St. Paul's Church, Maidstone. Vinten was due back at the Front just two days later. Early the next year whilst serving with the 5th Siege Battery Vinten earned his D.C.M. for gallantry in laying out telephone wires; he was 24 years old at the time.

Vinten appeared in The South Eastern Gazette on 11 April 1916, where they detailed that he 'has brought honour to his native town' with his award of the D.C.M, further noting that 'he has been at the front since the very beginning. He went out as a bombardier, and was promoted to sergeant about six months ago, getting his second stripe immediately after his third… His home is at 16, John Street.'

His and Emily's son Neville was born at Maidstone on 14 May 1918. Vinten served his full twenty one year term of engagement, and was finally discharged on 22 December 1932 at the age of 39; sold together with copied research.


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

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£800