17th Jun, 2015 10:00

Fine Art

 
Lot 974
 

Sold for £1,900


Lot details
A First World War group of medals, awarded to 16 Lieutenant Thomas Christopher Maynard, Royal Garrison Artillery, to include: Military Cross inscribed 'Bray 22nd Aug 1918, 2nd Lieut T.C. Maynard D.C.M. 120 H.B. R.G.A.' , Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, War Medal, Victory Medal and Territorial Efficiency Medal, all mounted to a board, with ribbons and miniatures. Not a lot is known of Maynard's military history, after which he became a Colliery Agent in the North East. He is noted to have joined the RGA in 1914 at the start of the war and was awarded the DCM ''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done excellent work as No. 1 throughout and has at all times set a splendid example to the men'' (London Gazette 13th Feb 1917), with it being awarded (London Gazette 1st January 1917). His Military Cross was awarded for his part in the action on Bray-sur-Somme, 22nd August 1918. Bray was of strategic importance for both sides as it was a crossing point of the Somme river. It changed hands four times during the war, firstly occupied by the Germans when setting up the Western Front, but it soon came under heavy attack from French bombing and was re-taken 4th October 1914. It was used as an important fuel and munitions point throughout the Battle of the Somme. On 21st March 1918 the Germans held a major offensive against the town, Operation Michael, and despite initial success to keep the German Army at bay, the town was then relinquished to German rule again, but not for long. In June/August 1918 it took cooperation between allied forces to retake the town for the last time, British and French artillery and aerial bombing, American and Australian forces and British Mk. V tanks to take the town under command once again. Maynard was promoted to Lieutenant 22nd January 1919 (London Gazette 10th Feb 1920) and resigned his commission 21st February 1920 (London Gazette 20th February 1920).
 

Auction: Fine Art, 17th Jun, 2015

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