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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 107

The unusual campaign group of six awarded to Private A. Jones, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, later Inspector, Posts & Telegraphs department, who was decorated by the Serbians during the Great War and later earned a 'mention' for his bravery in repairing telegraph lines in Iraq

1914-15 Star (8662 Pte. A. Jones. Shorps. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (8662 Pte. A. Jones. Shorps. L.I.), with M.I.D. oak leaves; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (A. Jones. Posts & Tels.); Defence Medal 1939-45 Medal; Serbia, Kingdom, Silver Medal for Bravery, the first five mounted as worn, very fine (6)

Silver Medal for Bravery London Gazette 15 February 1917.

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 June 1919.

Albert Jones entered the war in Mesopotamia attached to the 2/7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment on 16 May 1915. He appears to have remained in the region for the duration of the war before transferring to the Indian Telegraph Department during the Iraq Revolt.

Jones was serving with the Posts & Telegraphs near Hillah, ensuring communications to the 2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment in 1920 when they came under heavy attack by local tribes. Jones' bravery here was brought to the attention of the Director of Posts & Telegraphs, Baghdad by the local Civil Commissioner in a telegraph stating:

'Good work throughout the Operations immediately lines reported own between Diwaniyak and Rumaitha with a Sub Inspr: and two linemen and the linemen from Basra proceeded to the break near Rumaitha. Under heavy fire climbed posts and endeavoured [to] restore communication till forced return with detachment to Rumaitha whilst incarcerated there assisted in the defence established enter communication in the houses of defence. Again on his return to Hillah Mr. Corbery P. W. Inspector confirms markedly courageous example of Fermie and Jones in their efforts to restore communication near Khal Mahawal under heavy fire, when communication with Baghdad and Hillah cut. Both were exceedingly fortunate to come out unhit as the train was heavily fired on at close quarters.'

The second action noted was likely the defence of the armoured train at Samawa for which Captain Russell was recommended for the Victoria Cross; sold together with copied research and the original telegraph quoted above.

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Estimate
£120 to £160

Starting price
£100