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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 692

A superb Great War D.C.M. to Sapper J. Easton, 41st Divisional Signal Company, Royal Engineers, who manned a Lewis Gun in an effective and destructive manner, pausing only to replenish the ammunition

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (93882 Sapr J. Easton. 41/D.S. Coy R.E.), polished and with contact marks, nearly very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918, the original citation states:


'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy attacked in force he volunteered to man the only Lewis gun still in action, and maintained an effective and destructive fire on the enemy masses until they almost overwhelmed him. He withdrew only when his ammunition was expended and the enemy were in the trench he was defending. He retired to a new position and having replenished his ammunition, came into action again with great advantage, until his gun was put out of action the next morning. His fearless courage throughout was remarkable and a fine example to all ranks.'

James Park Easton was born at Govan, Lanark, in 1895 and was a wheelwright when he enlisted into the Army Service Corps (T4/043865) at Glasgow on 14 January 1915 and saw service with the 41st Divisional Train. He is noted as deserting at Frensham, Surrey, on 30 June 1915 and returned immediately to Glasgow and this time he enlisted into the Royal Engineers on 1 July 1915. His misdemeanour not yet uncovered he entered the war as part of the British Expeditionary Force on 1 May 1916, however whilst walking along the Nieppe-Steenwerch road, the Captain of the 41st Divisional Train A.S.C. J. B. Wheater spotted and recognised him and when questioned Easton confirmed his name and admitted that he was a deserter, his service papers note the following:

'Fraudlently enlisted into the R.E. whilst in a state of desertion from the A.S.C. held to serve in the R.E. trial dispensed with to suffer same forfeitures & deductions as if he had been convicted by D.C.M. Authy G.O.C. 41st Divn B.E.F.

All prior services forfeited on trial by D.C.M. dispensed with'

Easton however remained in France and eventually returned to the U.K. for leave between 20-30 July 1917. He went to the 138 Field Ambulance between 21-28 May 1918. Easton had a further spell of leave between 24 August-7 September 1918 but on returning to France was admitted to the 3rd Canada General Hospital on 24 September 1918 with the effects of heart strain. However he remained in France returning home on 19 November 1918. He transferred to Army Reserve on demobilization on 20 February 1919 at Chatham, Kent.

His Medal Index Card has both regiments with relevant service numbers listed, it additionally states 'Deserted service counts from 28.7.16' this is however crossed out but further note states the medals are restored.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£280