JOYCE Joseph Major

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Surname: JOYCE;

Forename(s): Joseph;

Initials: J;

Rank: Major;

Previous Battalion: 2 of;

Previous Regiment: London Regt;

MGC Branch: Motors;

MGC Unit: 15 Bty;

Other MGC Unit Served (1): 17 Coy;

Other MGC Unit Served (2): 24 Bn;

Awarded: DSO, MC, MID, MID, MID;

Gallantry Notes: DSO: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a machine gun company. It was due in a great degree to his magnificent example and great courage that a position was enabled to be held for so long. Later, he collected a party of stragglers and, with two of his guns, and two trench mortars, he held up a hostile advance. During this defence he was severely wounded, but refused to leave his post and it was not until the enemy had almost surrounded him that he withdrew to a fresh position, being himself the last to leave. His courage and ability throughout were deserving of the highest praise.

MC: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of machine guns. During an attack on a strongly fortified position, he moved about with complete disregard of the intense hostile shellfire, visting all his guns and keeping them in action by his splendid personal example of coolness. Three of his guns were put out of action, and his teams had twenty-four casualties. His exceptional fearlessness and ability cannot be too highly praised.;

Other Data: formed 15 MMGS Bty at Bisley 1915
to Command 17 Coy 1/3/1917 - war diary

War Diary 17 Coy 13/4/1917- "General advance on our front commenced. Major J Joyce and Sgt R Boughtflower and team of 1 gun crossed NoMansLand and established themselves in the enemy's line at about 5 in the afternoon. The Infantry, encouraged by their example immediately followed up. The gun mentioned started from about M.20.b.2.6. And took up its final position at about 5 o'clock at M.21.c.5.2. It encountered a party of the enemy who fled after exchanging a few shots. A second gun of ours was brought into position near the same place shortly afterwards (say 5.30pm)"

Letter received from Brigadier General C Stone, Cdg 17th Inf Bde : "Dear Joyce, I am most grateful to you for the assistance you have given me in this advance - and very much appreciate the able manner in which you have handled the guns in forward positions. I hope you will tell your Officers and Men how very well they have done. Yours sincerely………."

to Command "A" Coy on formation of 24 Bn 5/3/1918
reported wounded 22/3/1918
DSO confirmed in War Diary 24 Bn 13/6/1918
appointed 2 I/c 46 Bn 13/12/1918 - war diary
Debretts 1928: TA Res - R Tank Corps, DSO, MC

MC confirmed in War Diary 17 Coy 15/7/1917
MID confirmed in War Diary 27/1/1918

Served: 1940 as Volunteer - International Volunteer Force, Finland (winter War, against Soviet Russia) Medal awarded Jan 1941.
See: "The Volunteers" - the Full Story of the British Volunteers in Fenland 1939-41 - Justin Brooke

Date of Auction: 22nd September 2000 (DNW)
Sold for £1900
Estimate: £1,200 - £1,500
A fine Great War D.S.O., M.C. group of five awarded to Major Joseph Joyce, Motor Machine Gun Service, later Machine Gun Corps

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R.; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Capt., M.G.C.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major) generally good very fine (5) £1200-1500;

Other Notes: DSO: LG 16/9/1918 (MC)
MC: LG 17/9/1917
MID 15/6/1916 - dated 30/4/1916 MMGS, MID: 21/12/1917 (24/12/1917) (Haig: 26/2/1917-2/9/1917, France) , MID: LG 30/12/1918;

END OF RECORD.

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