Lot 1089

Description

MM Group to KIA: Military Medal (GVR type 1); British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 281572 Pte J.Berry. 1/7 Lan:Fus: on first medal, 281572 Pte J.Berry. Lan. Fus. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Very fine.

MM: LG 27/6/1918, p7587, to 281572 Pte. J.Berry, Lan. Fus. (Salford).

James Berry, stationer's assistant, born 1895 at Salford, Lancashire, England. James was awarded the Military Medal for his part in the Battle of Bapaume on 25 March 1918. The 1/7th, part of the 125th Infantry Brigade, were in a position covering the southwest and south of Sapignies. The brigade was attacked at 6am but this was repulsed by the 1/5th Lancs. At 8am the whole brigade was subjected to a barrage, one hour and twenty minutes later the enemy again advanced. By 10.50am the enemy was attacking in full force at the centre of the 1/5th.

The regimental history records as follows:- 'From early morning on this day the 1/7th on the brigade's right flank had a very gruelling time, fighting many ding dong battles on the ridge which runs south and south-west from Sapignes, and earning many honours under the able and inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Colonel G.S.Brewis DSO.'

Unfortunately James Berry did not live long enough to receive his Military Medal as he was killed in action while in the line at Bucquoy, France on 3 April 1918. He is buried at Gommecourt British Cemetery No 2, Hebuterne, 19km south west of Arras.

Together with colour photo of grave, copy of London Gazette and documents confirming award of MM as well as other research.