The Queen’s South Africa Medal, Great War pair and Army Long Service Good Conduct Medal grouping to Distinguished Conduct Medal winner Fitter J. H. Wakeling, Royal Field Artillery, who carried out repairs to the the guns under continuous shell fire and later did excellent work in helping to withdraw the gun and saved many rounds of ammunition following the explosion of an enemy howitzer shell which had caused a fire in the ammunition shed. These now swing mounted for display with reproductions of the DCM and 1914 Star to represent the recipient’s complete grouping.
Six: Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. - this a good quality unnamed silver reproduction; Queen’s South Africa Medal, 5 clasps: Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (24066 GNR: J. H. WAKELING, 21: B, R.F.A.); 1914 Star - this a good quality unnamed bronze reproduction; British War and Victory Medals (24066 A.CPL. J. H. WAKELING. R.A.); Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (24066 T. FTR. CPL. J. H. WAKELING, D.C.M., R.F.A.).
Condition: Good Very Fine.
Distinguished Conduct Medal London Gazette 11 March 1916. 24066 Fitter J. H. Wakeling, 5 C Reserve Bed., R.F.A (formerly 32nd Bde.), the recommendation states:
“For conspicuous bravery and skill. Whilst under continuous shell fire he not only carried out many repairs to the guns caused by heavy firing, but voluntarily performed many of these duties of others, who had been put out of action. When a shed has been set on fire by a howitzer shell, he did excellent work in helping to withdraw the gun, and saved many round of ammunition from destruction.”
John Henry Wakeling of Grays Inn Road, London enlisted into the Royal Artillery on 15 November 1897. He served in South Africa with 21 Brigade from 8 Dec 1899 to 19 Sept 1901 during the Boer War and embarked for service in France and Flanders on 16 Aug 1914 following the outbreak of the Great War. He suffered gunshot wounds to the right thigh in action on 6 Jul 1915 and was invalided home. He didi not serve overseas again and was discharged on 25 May 1920 having completed 22years and 133 days service.
