THE VICTORIA CROSS AND FIRST WORLD WAR CAMPAIGN MEDAL TRIO AWARDED TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL BERTRAM BEST-DUNKLEY HAVE BEEN SOLD AT AUCTION BY SPINK OF LONDON.
24 November 2022

Medal entitlement of Lieutenant Colonel Bertram Best-Dunkley,
2 / 5th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers

  • Victoria Cross
  • 1914-15 Star
  • British War Medal ( 1914-19 )
  • Victory Medal ( 1914-20 ) + MiD Oakleaf


The Victoria Cross and First World War campaign medals awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Bertram Best-Dunkley, 2 / 5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, have been sold at auction by Spink of London on the 24th November 2022.

The estimated sale price was between £200,000 and £240,000. The sale hammer price realised £300,000. The Best-Dunkley VC group was purchsed by the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection.


For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 6 September 1917 ], Wieltje, Belgium, 31 July 1917, Captain ( T / Lieutenant Colonel ) Bertram Best-Dunkley, 2 / 5th Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion ( Wieltje, Flanders ), the leading waves of which, during an attack, became disorganised by reason of rifle and machine gun fire at close range from positions which were believed to be in our hands.

Lieutenant Colonel Best-Dunkley dashed forward, rallied his leading waves, and personally led them to the assault of these positions, which, despite heavy losses, were carried. He continued to lead his battalion until all their objectives had been gained.

Had it not been for this officer’s gallant and determined action it is doubtful if the left of the brigade would have reached its objectives. Later in the day, when our position was threatened, he collected his battalion headquarters, led them to the attack, and beat off the advancing enemy. This gallant officer has since died of wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Best-Dunkley died of wounds at Ypres on the 5th August 1917 and was buried in the Mendinghem Military Cemetery.

Acquisitions

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Iain Stewart, 24 November 2022