SPINK LONDON | Spink is delighted to have the opportunity to sell the important Military Cross group of nine medals awarded to Bugle Major J. Davies, The Rifles are to be sold by Spink & Son in London on the 12^th April in London. James, who joined the Army aged just 19, is a veteran of ten Operational Tours with the British Army, serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan throughout his career.

During his tour of Afghanistan during 2011, he was posted to a remote Base deep in Taliban-held country of Helmand Provence and tasked with a patrol to increase the Allied influence of the area. Their Operation kicked off smoothly under the cover of darkness at the crack of dawn and. However, just after 8am, Cpl Peter Eustace detonated a devastating and huge IED, losing his life. The resulting heroism over the next two hours in saving the lives of his comrades led to Davies being awarded the MC. His Commanding Officer tells the story of Davies:

'Bugle Major Davies then did something remarkable. He came through the crater, spoke to us, then got up and started firing, fully exposing himself to the multiple enemy firing points. He made himself a target so that we could crawl back to the other side of the ditch. And he didn't do it once.He did it twice. I have no idea how he did not get shot, because as I was crawling back, the ground was exploding with gunfire around me. He was standing up there talking to us and firing at the same time'.

Lot 253, estimated: £12,000 - 15,000

Davies' actions allowed the safe withdrawal of his patrol after a fierce firefight and they successfully evacuated the body of Eustace. After the events, Davies wrote the poignant words on a memorial page to Eustace:

"I kissed him and gave him a hug. I said the Lord's Prayer and closed his eyes."

On returning home, Davies was recognised as an Ambassador for military veterans, his image being displayed on the Tower of London and published nationwide.

The medals carry a pre-Sale estimate of £12,000-15,000 and Auctioneer Marcus Budgen said:

"The outstanding gallantry and poignancy related to James' medals make these extremely powerful and moving. All at Spink have been honoured to have had the opportunity to meet James and to ensure his important story is retained and recorded in the history of the Afghanistan War. We are confident that strong bidding will be required to secure these truly significant medals."

For more information, please contact Marcus Budgen

Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4059 | Email: [email protected]

SPINK LONDON | 69 Southampton Row | Blooms bury | London | WC1B 4ET

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Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.