Morton & Eden

Auction 114  –  29 November 2021

Morton & Eden, Auction 114

Medals, Orders and Decorations

Mo, 29.11.2021, from 3:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.
Please note that room bidding is not available at this sale. There is no additional charge for live bidding at this auction.

Description

*An Impressive WW2 ‘Fighting Patrol’ Distinguished Conduct Medal and Efficiency Medal Group of 5 awarded to Company Sergeant Major John Caveney, 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, for leading a ‘fighting patrol’ of 15 men in action at Cherens, France, on 24-25 May 1940, which destroyed the bulk of a larger enemy patrol of 25 men, and a reinforcement of 12 further men, without a single loss or casualty to his own patrol. According to local newspaper coverage from the time, Caveney was the first soldier of the East Lancashire Regiment, and of Accrington, Lancashire, to receive a decoration in WW2, comprising: Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R., 1st type (3592593 W.O. Cl. III. J. Caveney. E. Lan R.); 1939-1945 Star; Defence and War Medals, 1939-1945; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R, Territorial Type (3592593 W.O. Cl. 2. J. Caveney. D.C.M. E. Lan: R.); Group court-mounted on card for display, tiny reverse bruise to first, otherwise about extremely fine (5). D.C.M: London Gazette: 22 October 1940 - ‘in recognition of gallant conduct in action with the enemy’. Full citation reads as follows: ‘At Cherens, on the night of 14th/25th May, 1940, this P.S.M. led a fighting patrol of fifteen men which fought and probably destroyed the bulk of an enemy patrol of twenty five men and a reinforcement of twelve men. He brought back his party without casualty displaying exceptional skill and courage. This was the first patrol the Bn. had carried out in the face of the enemy and the moral effect throughout the Bn. was considerable.’ (Recommended J. G. Smyth Brigadier, Commanding 127 Inf. Bde. 11/6/40) Company Sergeant Major John Caveney, of 70 Dill Hall Lane, Church, Accrington, Lancashire, was born c.1903 and served with the 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment in WW2 as part of the B.E.F. in France. He had previously served with the Border Regiment for eight years in India, Egypt, Sudan, Malta and China before joining the East Lancashires. As a pre-war Territorial, he was called up for regular service at the beginning of the war, and it was with the 4th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment that he earned his D.C.M. whilst leading a ‘fighting patrol’ as described above against German forces. His award was reputedly the first decoration given to a soldier in the East Lancashire Regiment, or to a resident of Accrington District in WW2. He received his D.C.M. in person from the King at Buckingham Palace and was presented with a gold watch by his fellow members of the Pioneer Working Men’s Club, Church.

Estimate: GBP 2400 - 2800

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Bidding

Price realized 3'200 GBP
Starting price 1'920 GBP
Estimate 2'400 GBP
The auction is closed.
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