WW1 Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medal Group of Four – Pte. J. Moores, 16th (2nd Salford Pals) Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers (Awarded for Attack and Crossing of Sambre Oise Canal Double VC Action)

A first world war MM group to 11849 Private Joseph Moores, 16th (2nd Salford Pals) Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers. 

George V Military Medal named to 11849 Pte. J. Moores. 16/ Lan. Fus. 
1914-15 Star named to 11849 Pte. J. Moores. Lan: Fus: 
British War Medal named to 11849 Pte. J. Moores. Lan. Fus. 
WW1 Victory Medal named to 11849 Pte. J. Moores. Lan. Fus. 

Private Moores was awarded his MM for the attack and crossing of Sambre-Oise Canal on the 4th November 1918, in which the 1st and 2nd Salford Pals received two VCs, three DSOs, thirteen MCs, one DCM and seventeen MMs. 

At 3.30am on 4th November the 16th Bn moved to its forming up line in an orchard close to the canal and lay down with all ranks facing the latter. A heavy barrage of artillery and machine guns opened at 5.45am. Five minutes later the companies of the 16th dashed up to the bank of the canal, 2nd Lt. P.G. Horsler greatly distinguished himself, and opened fire to cover the Royal Engineers while they put up the bridges. The Sappers complted their task in half an hour in the face of great difficulties. As soon as the bridge to be used by the 16th was ready, 2nd Lt. C.J. Stapley was one of the first to cross it, though under intense machine-gun fire. But as Captain H.C. Pemberton began to cross it, the floats at the enemy’s end of the bridge broke loose. By now heavy machine-gun fire was being directed at the enemy at the bridges. In spite of it, Pemberton and Stapley succeeded in repairing it; and 2nd Lt. G.H. Potts and three men were able to get across it before it was again broken by shell fire. The bttalion was thus held up. Lt. Col. Marshall at once came forward and organised parties to repair the bridge. The first party formed were soon all killed or wounded. But such was the inspiration of Marshall’s example that volunteers sprang forward to take their plae. He stood on the bank under intense fire and with complete disregard of his own safety, encouraging them and helping in the work. In spite of the German fire, the repairs to the bridge were completed. Marshall tried to rush across at the head of the company waiting to cross. He was shot through the head and instantly killed. 

The casualties suffered by the 16th Bn. during this attack were very heavy. During the action they managed to capture 8 field guns, 26 machine guns and a large amount of various equipment. 

The medals are in good condition and have been mounted for display.