Lot 5803

Description

Group of Nine: Distinguished Service Order ((GRI) with first and second award bars; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19 with MID; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation Medal 1937; Territorial Efficiency Decoration (GVR) with four bars, all GVIR. Swing mounted and stored in a miniature medal case by A.H.Baldwin & Sons Ltd. An original set of contemporary medals, extremely fine and rare with four gallantry awards.

Colonel Sidney John Worsley, born 1895, in charge of the OTC at Nottingham University at the outbreak of WWI was granted a commission at the age of 19 in the North Staffordshire Regiment, serving with this unit throughout the war. He was awarded the Military Cross at Ypres in June 1916, a first bar in November 1916 for conspicuous gallantry at Delville Wood, a second bar for conspicuous gallantry on the Somme from April to July 1918 and finally the Distinguished Service Order for conspicuous gallantry near Verbrandenmolen on 28/29 September 1918 being wounded in the chest. He was also Mentioned in Despatches by Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig in March 1919. MC No citation. (2/LT) MC First Bar. LG November 1916 (2/LT) 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He took command of his company with great courage and determination. Later he captured an enemy trench with great gallantry. He set a fine example.' MC Second Bar. LG 26 July 1918 (Capt) 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in handling his Company with great ability during a counter-attack, and in commanding the rearguard Company during a retirement, when by his coolness and initiative he materially assisted the orderly retirement of his Battalion. Later, on a motor bicycle, he carried out a daring reconnaisance and brought back information of the utmost value.' DSO. LG 2 Februarty 1919 (Capt) 'For conspicuous gallantry and deveotion to duty near Verbrandenmolen on 28 September 1918. He led his Company to the allotted objective, capturing a field gun. The following day, at Zanvoorde, he again led his Company, in the face of very heavy machine-gun fire, and was wounded in the chest while doing so.' MID. 16 March 1919. Together with Worsley's own account of the action at Delville Wood; photos; original bestowal document for Coronation Medal to Lieutenant-Colonel S.J.Worsley DSO, MC.