Lot 51
Fighting Citations, 29th Division, Machine Gun Corps, Military Cross and Bar awarded to 2nd Lieutenant John Leslie Bunce
Military Medals, Decorations and Orders On Land, at Sea, in the Air | E114
Auction: 7 September 2023 at 10:00 BST
Description
A Very Good, Fighting Citations, 29th Division, Machine Gun Corps, Military Cross and Bar, who also earned 3 Divisional Gallantry Cards awarded to 2nd Lieutenant John Leslie Bunce, M.G.C., comprising Military Cross, GVR, with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued, 1914‑1920 British War and Victory Medals, (2.Lieut. J.L. Bunce.), toned, fair. (3).
Military Cross The London Gazette 26th of March 1918
Awarded the Military Cross
T.2nd. Lt. John Leslie Bunce, M.G. Corps
Military Cross Citation The London Gazette 24th of August 1918
T/2nd. Lt. John Leslie Bunce, M.G. Corps
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy attacked and reached a village in our lines he showed great skill in placing his machine guns to cover the entrances to the village and to guard the flanks. Owing to his prompt action the enemy were held up by machine-gun fire. On the following day, when his guns had been put out of cation, he took charge of the infantry near him and organized the defence with great initiative.
Bar to the Military Cross The Edinburgh Gazette of the 18th of September 1918
T./2nd Lt. John Leslie Bunce, M.C. M.G.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during recent operations. He posted machine-guns under a heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, and in the evening, when their position had become isolated, he went round them over the open, encouraging the teams. Two days later he made a reconnaissance, and again posted machine-guns under heavy fire. He did splendid work.
M.C,. Gazetted 26th of March 1918
29th Division Gallantry Card No 1
2/Lieut J.L. Bunce Machine Gun Corps
I having read with much pleasure the reports of your Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on the 30th of November 1917 and have ordered your name and deed to be entered in the Record of the 29th Division. Signed Major General Henry de Beauvoir de Lisle
29th Division Gallantry Card No 2
T./2/Lieut J.L. Bunce MC Machine Gun Corps
I having read with much pleasure the reports of your Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on the 10th – 14th of April 1918 near Vieux Berquin and have ordered your name and deed to be entered in the Record of the 29th Division. Signed Major General Douglas Edward Cayley
29th Division Gallantry Card No 2
T./2/Lieut J.L. Bunce MC Machine Gun Corps
I having read with much pleasure the reports of your Regimental Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on the 18th of August 1918 near Outtersteene and have ordered your name and deed to be entered in the Record of the 29th Division. Signed Major General Douglas Edward Cayley
(Both villages are near to Hazebrouck)
John Leslie Bunce served first in France as 42287 Cpl. J.L. Bunce Machine Gun Corps he was Gazetted Temporary 2nd Lieutenant on the 26th of July 1917 and posted to the Machine Gun Corps. He died in Hertfordshire on the 19th of September 1941. A set of Officers papers are extant at the National Archives at WO 339/92181.
Sold with original box for the Military Cross, three 29th Division Gallantry Cards, contemporarily framed and glazed, Copy Medal Index Card, Copy London Gazette entries, copy Medal Rolls, and genealogical information.
Provenance – Directly from the family
