Beschreibung:

Gallantry. A Great War ÔSommeÕ MM to Private J Gardener, East Lancashire Regiment who was decorated for his bravery probably during the attack on enemy trenches at La Boiselle on 5th to 6th July 1916. Military Medal, G.V.R. (6854 Pte J. Gardner. 7/E. Lanc:R.), good very fine. M.M. London Gazette 21.9.1916. 6854 Private J. Gardner served during the Great War with the 7th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment from 17.7.1915, the 7th Battalion served with the 56th Brigade, 19th Western Division on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916 located at Albert, a copied account from the War Diaries of the Battalion is included in the lot and records. ÔOn 1st July 1916, the 7th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment in the Intermediate Line until 7.30am - Zero Hour - when in accordance with instructions it moved forward to the Uzna Trench line replacing part of the 8th Division that had attacked hostile trenches at 7.30am. Operations having progressed successfully, this Brigade was not required to attack but remained in readiness in the vicinity of Uzna-Tara until 9pm when it returned to bivouacs in the railways cutting at Albert. The next day, the Battalion remained in the Railway Cutting all day with the exception of two companies ÔCÕ and ÔDÕ and two sections of Regimental Bombers who proceeded to Becourt Wood and assisted in the attack at La Boiselle in conjunction with 101st Brigade. Captain House was in supreme command, with Lieutenant Lowe in command of D Compnay, and Lieutenant Edwards in charge of the Regimental Bombers. The party made a bombing attack on Heligoland Redoubt in conjunction with the main attack. Operations were very successfully carried out with few casualties. The party was congratulated by the Brigadier of 101st Brigade. on its excellent work. Later the same day, 2nd July, at 5pm, ÔBÕ Company was detailed to proceed to Uzna Tara line to act as a carrying party. On the 3rd July the Battalion, together with the remainder of the Brigade moved at 3am to the Unzna Tara Line and remained in this position in readiness to be called up all day. ÔCÕ, ÔDÕ, and ÔBÕ Companies and two sections of Regimental Bombers rejoined the Battalion. 4th July 1916 saw the battalion still in the Uzna Tara line, and then moved into newly captured trenches at La Boiselle relieving the 7th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment . On 5th July, the Battalion was ordered to attack the German front line by bombing up communication trenches. The 57th Brigade operated on the left, the 23rd Division on the right , and attack was preceded by a heavy bombardment of one hours duration. Operations commenced at 2pm. The Battalion gained its objective on the left, but owing to the right being held up by heavy machine gun fire, it had to fall back to its original line. Casualties were as follows: four officers killed, six wounded, and 31 other ranks killed, and 49 wounded. The next day, 6th July, the Battalion continued the attack with the same objective as before, but with the addition that it was ordered to get in touch with the 58th Brigade on its right who had relieved the 69th Brigade of the 23rd Division. This was to be carried out through the line. It was essential that this line should be secured in order that the contemplated general advance could be successfully commenced the next day. Operations commenced at nightfall and the objective was gained by 6am on 7th July 1916 after severe fighting. The Battalion War Diary for 9th September 1916 records that on an inspection by the Corps Commander, medal ribbons were presented to five men, including Private J. Gardner by the Corps Commander. On extensive research confirms that Gardner most likely was awarded his Military Medal for his bravery in the operations at Ovillers between 1st to 6th July 1916, the award being published in the London Gazette for 21st September 1916m with this gazette containing awards for the Battle of the Somme in July 1916. Gardner was later transferred to the Milita