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WORLD WAR ONE SECTION

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CCP40P. Trooper of the 9th Lancers 1914 by Chris Collingwood. Trooper of the 9th Lancers 1914 by Chris Collingwood. (P)Click For DetailsCCP0040
<b> SOLD OUT. Trooper of the 9th Lancers with Lance 1914 by Chris Collingwood (P)Click For DetailsCCP0043
CCP0058. British 9th Lancer c.1914 by Chris Collingwood. British 9th Lancer c.1914 by Chris Collingwood.Click For DetailsCCP0058
CCP0059. British Lancer by Chris Collingwood. British Lancer by Chris Collingwood.Click For DetailsCCP0059
CCP0060. British Lancer c.1914 by Chris Collingwood. British Lancer c.1914 by Chris Collingwood.Click For DetailsCCP0060
At 0620 hours covered by a brief barrage from 1000 guns, the tanks of C and F Battalions in MkIV tanks advanced alongside the men of the British 12th Division against the impregnable German Hindenburg line at Cambrai. Supported in the air by 4 RFC squadron flying ground attack missions, the general offensive had broken through 3 trench lines and penetrated 5 miles on a 6 mile front by lunchtime. Although these gains were not exploited and later retaken by a German counter offensive, Cambrai showed the full potential of the tank on the battlefield. Original Pencil Sketch for Battle of Cambrai, France, 20th November 1917 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsCCP0801
The village of Courcellette dominated the Somme battlefield, and it was the Canadian Corps who were given the task of taking the strongpoint. They were however aided by a new weapon, six tanks of No.1 Section, C Company, Heavy Tank Battalion. The Mark Is were commanded by Captain A. M. Inglis in C5 Creme de Menthe and supported the 31st (Alberta) Battalion in the successful assault in and around the villages Sugar Factory. Original Pencil Sketch for Assault on Courcellette, The Somme, 15th September 1916 by David Pentland. (P)Click For DetailsCCP0802
Depicts the charge of a squadron of the 9th Lancers against the Prussian Dragoons of the Guard at Moncel on the 7th September 1914. This was Cavalry action in the First World War when cavalry charged with both sides at full gallop. The 9th Lancers casualties were 3 killed and 7 wounded compared to heavy losses suffered by the Prussian Dragoons. Charge of the 9th Lancers by Richard Caton Woodville,Click For DetailsDHM0061
One of the last cavalry charges in British Military history, 8th November 1917. The Charge of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry at Huj by Lady Elizabeth Butler.Click For DetailsDHM0093
The battle of Mons was the first major battle fought by the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) The BEF had advanced along a 20 mile front along the Mons canal, and were on there left flank of the French 5th army. But when the French army had been defeated at the Battle of the Sambre on the 22nd August, The British commander Sir John French agreed to hold his position until the morning of the 23rd. The BEF were attacked by the German First Army . The German infantry advance was repelled by the British infantry and sustained very large losses: the British lost 1600 killed or wounded. But with the French forces retreating the British forces had no alternative but to retreat also, and on the morning of the 24th of August they began retreating to the outskirts of Paris over a fourteen day period. Retreat From Mons by Lady Elizabeth Butler.Click For DetailsDHM0113
DHM156. The 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion at Pozieres, 23rd July 1916 by William Barnes Wollen. The 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion at Pozieres, 23rd July 1916 by William Barnes Wollen.Click For DetailsDHM0156
Landing at dawn on 25th April 1915 about 8,000 Anzacs fought their way off the narrow, stony beach. They moved upwards and inland through treacherous terrain and fierce concentrated fire from entrenched and well prepared Turkish positions. By evening they had gained some 2,000 metres and each side lost about 2,000 men. After 8 months of fighting the troops were withdrawn. Both the Allies and Turks had committed some 500,000 men each to the ill fated Dardanelles campaign. The Anzacs had lost 10,000 killed and 26,000 wounded. The Making of a Legend, The Landing at Anzac Cove by Lambert.Click For DetailsDHM0181
On 31st October 1917, 800 men of the Australian Light Horse Brigade charged entrenched Turko-German defences at Beersheba, Palestine. It was an 11th hour attempt to capture vital water wells and save the attacking allied forces from disaster. Under heavy fire from artillery, aircraft, machine gun and rifle fire and against great odds, they successfully charged into history, their losses were 31 dead, 36 wounded and 70 of their beloved horses died.The Last Great Cavalry Charge by Lambert.Click For DetailsDHM0182
Depicting the Ox and Bucks during close quarter combat amongst the forest area around Ypres. 1914. Defeat of the Prussian Guard at Ypres, 1914, by the 2nd Battalion Ox and Bucks (52nd) by William Barnes Wollen.Click For DetailsDHM0199
A classic art print of the Ulster Division advancing into the German trenches during the Battle of the Somme. The officer shown leading the unit is Lt Francis Bodenham Thornley. During the Battle of the Somme he was wounded while serving with B company Royal Irish Rifles and while recuperating he was given the job to advise J P Beadle on the painting. In the painting the troops are shown with the SMLE Rifle which is fitted with the No. 1 Mk 1 pattern Sword bayonet. Also shown in the painting is a soldier carrying a Battalion marker, which is used to show the Battalions progress. The troops shown are of the 5th battalion Royal Irish Rifles (North Belfast Volunteers) a supporting unit to the 108th Infantry Brigade.Battle of the Somme, the Attack of the Ulster Division by J P Beadle.Click For DetailsDHM0210
Although a very brown picture, it shows the Lancashire Regiment, coming of the beaches during the Gallipoli Campaign. Gallipoli by Charles Dixon.Click For DetailsDHM0215
Depicting the 9th Lancers during 1914.Bringing Horses to the Rear by Wright.Click For DetailsDHM0221
The Hindenburg Line known also as the Siegfried Line was a vast system of German defences in northeastern France between Lens and past Verdun. Built over the winter of 1916 and 1917, the high command in Germany believed the Hindenburg line was was impregnable. But in 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai it was temporarily broken by the British and Newfoundland troops. Included in these forces were tank units, and the line was successfully breached a number of times during the hundred day offensive by the Allied forces in September 1918. Shown in this painting are the wounded being taken back behind lines by medical personnel as the reinforcements and supplies move forward.Breaking the Hindenburg Line by J P Beadle.Click For DetailsDHM0243
The Mark IV Tank of Lt. F. MItchell MC, 1st battalion Tank Corps engages A7V tanks at Villers-Bretonneux, 24th April 1918. The First Tank versus Tank Action by David Rowlands.Click For DetailsDHM0340
This painting was inspired by Sir Douglas Haigs order to his troops at the time of the great German offensive. Note the ghostly images of the dead comrades above the soldiers heads. This was Gibbs final battle scene, painted when he was in his eighties.Backs to the Wall by Robert Gibb.Click For DetailsDHM0440
The 2nd Battalion Worcester Regiment and South Wales Borderers arriving in the grounds of the Chateau at Gheluvelt after their historic counter attack on 31st October 1914. Battle of Gheluvelt, 31st October 1914 by J P Beadle.Click For DetailsDHM0443
Soldiers of the Suffolk Regiments are seen in their trenches during the attacks at Neuve Chappell during the first world war. The Suffolks at Neuve Chapel by Frank Dadd.Click For DetailsDHM0444
German 77mm battery captured by C Company, 2nd Battalion the Manchester Regiment, 2nd April 1917 at Francilly Selency. The attacks on Francilly-Selency would prove costly and difficult to the attacking British forces. The Germans had dug in well. But the Manchester Regiments 2nd battalion, attacking from Roupy just beyond Savy village, towards the large hill which would later be called Manchester Hill, captured the German 77nn Gun battery. The Manchester Regiment would again be on the attack on the 14th of April at Fayet and would go on to the trenches of the Hindenburg line at Gricourt road, San Quentin. Capture of a German Battery by Richard Caton Woodville.Click For DetailsDHM0445
Depicting the charge of the Bucks, Berks and Dorset Yeomanry on November 13th 1917 during the Palestine campaign. Action of the 6th Mounted Brigade at El Muhgar by J P Beadle.Click For DetailsDHM0496
3rd Battle of Ypres, 31st July 1917 Sgt. Robert Bye VC, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards near Langemarck by David Rowlands.Click For DetailsDHM0612
The Yanks are coming over there and on the offensive! American Doughboys from a dozen states valiantly press through the tangle of forest, overrunning German resistance as they advance, troops from Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wyoming and Virginia. The Courageous Twelve (Meuse Argonne Offensive, 26th September 1918) by Mark ChurmsClick For DetailsDHM0880
Captain Reynold and drivers Luke and Drain saving the guns of 37th Battery from advancing German Infantry, all three were awarded the Victoria Cross. Saving the Guns at Le Cateau by Terence Cuneo.Click For DetailsDHM0990
26-27th May 1918, 5th Batterys gun position was overrun by German Infantry, the Battery Commander and two subalterns rallied the surviving men and with Lewis gun and rifles attempted to beat off the attack. Only four gunners survived. Last Stand of the 5th (Gibraltar) Battery by Terence Cuneo.Click For DetailsDHM0991
The 5th Lancers (attached to the Canadian Corps) were the first British troops to re-enter Mons, just as they had been the last to leave Mons in August 1914. Very few of the troopers who left Mons in 1914 were there to re-enter in 1918. The 5th Lancers Re-enter Mons, November 1918 by Richard Caton Woodville.Click For DetailsDHM1082
Captain Francis Grenfell, 9th Lancers, the first VC of World War I to be gazetted, winning the VC at Audregnies, Belgium, 24th August 1914 The First VC of the European War by Richard Caton Woodville.Click For DetailsDHM1098
Action at Nery, 1st September 1914. During the fighting retreat from Mons, battery L of the Royal horse artillery bivouacked by a small town of Nery. Their temporary halt was interrupted during the early morning cavalry patrol warning of the imminent arrival of a large German force of cavalry, infantry and artillery. almost immediately German shells began bursting amongst the battery, accompanied by a rifle and machine gun fire. 3 guns were knocked out before they could be brought into action and two more were disabled soon afterwards, while the British gunners sustained heavy casualties. the remaining no. 6 gun with a scratch crew managed to maintain a steady fire for some two hours inflicting heavy casualties on the Germans until reinforcements arrived, driving off the surviving German unties. Three Victoria crosses (one posthumously) and two French medaille militaire were awarded and two NCOs were commissioned after the action. Nery by Brian Palmer.Click For DetailsDHM1237
The 17th Lancers in Flanders 1916. Death and Glory in Flanders Fields by Chris Collingwood.Click For DetailsDHM1361
At 0620 hours covered by a brief barrage from 1000 guns, Brigadier General Elles in a MkIV called Hilda led his 476 tanks against the impregnable German Hindenburg line at Cambrai. Supported by 6 infantry divisions and 4 Royal Flying Corps squadrons flying ground attack missions, the attack had broken through 3 trench lines and penetrated 5 miles on a 6 mile front by lunchtime. Although these gains were not exploited and later retaken by a German counter offensive, Cambrai showed the full potential of the tank on the battlefield. To the Green Fields Beyond, Cambrai, France, 20th November 1917 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1538
German Stosstruppen of the 18th Army, having broken through the British lines near St Quentin, engage secondary trench lines occupied by men of the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (36th Ulster Division) . Similar attacks occurred right across the BEFs front, where the new tactics of short bombardments, infiltration, close air support, and non persistent gas had ripped open the British lines. The Kaisers Battle, Operation Michael, France, 21st March 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1543
At 0620 hours covered by a brief barrage from 1000 guns, the tanks of C and F Battalions in MkIV tanks advanced alongside the men of the British 12th Division against the impregnable German Hindenburg line at Cambrai. Supported in the air by 4 RFC squadron flying ground attack missions, the general offensive had broken through 3 trench lines and penetrated 5 miles on a 6 mile front by lunchtime. Although these gains were not exploited and later retaken by a German counter offensive, Cambrai showed the full potential of the tank on the battlefield. Battle of Cambrai, France, 20th November 1917 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1555
The village of Courcellette dominated the Somme battlefield, and it was the Canadian Corps who were given the task of taking the strongpoint. They were however aided by a new weapon, six tanks of No.1 Section, C Company, Heavy Tank Battalion. The Mark Is were commanded by Captain A. M. Inglis in C5 Creme de Menthe and supported the 31st (Alberta) Battalion in the successful assault in and around the villages Sugar Factory. Assault on Courcellette, The Somme, 15th September 1916 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1556
Towards the end of the second battle of Cambrai, British Mark IV tanks of 12th Battalion confronted German captured Mark IVs. The ensuing battle was chaotic, emerging from smoke the Germans were initially mistaken as part of C Company, but at 50 meters both sides recovered from their surprise and opened fire simultaneously. The lead British tank L16 commanded by Captain Rowe was immediately knocked out, who escaped with his men to L19 just in time to see it destroyed, along with L12. The remaining tank L8 had broken down some distance back taking no part in the battle, although its commander Lieutenant Martel managed to use a captured 77mm artillery piece to finally halt the German tank. Unexpected encounter at Niergnies, France, 8th October 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1566
A German machine gun team defend against the British 3rd Corps attack on the high ground north of the Somme. This was to be the start of the final Allied offensive of the war. The Machine Guns - Battle of Amiens, France, 8th August 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1647
The 29th Division go over the top to the sound of the officers whistle to attack Beaumont Hamel during the battle of the Somme. The regiments of the 29th Division are the Middlesex Regiment, Lancashire Fusiliers, Dublin Fusiliers, Royal Fusiliers and the Newfoundland Regiment. Over the Top by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1662
Aubers / Neuve Chapelle -1500-The 1st battalion, Black Watch, brought in to relieve the shattered 2nd Brigade, go over the top and advanced at the double across no -mans land. Suffering heavy casualties from the incessant German machine gun fire, elements of the regiment plunged into  the German trenches just as the bombardment lifted. A desperate battle then took place for the German position, the outnumbered Highlanders fighting tenaciously; elements of the regiment even reached the German second line. In spite of their superhuman bravery, and being reinforced by two companies of the Camerons, sheer German numbers proved to be overwhelming for the Black Watch; every single highlander being killed or wounded in defending this hard won position. Remember that you are Scottish! Aubers Ridge, 9th May 1915 by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1663
Dawn. British artillery thundered, and the territorial soldiers 15th Scottish division stormed towards the German trenches defending the coal mining village of Loos. The gas cloud that preceded the Highland advance was pendulous and largely stationary due to a distinct lack of wind, and ,upon emerging from the smudgy gas, the highlanders were pelted with machine gun fire and shrapnel from the defending German batteries. Not to be denied, the Scots gritted their teeth, and with an officer shouting faster boys! give them hell! the highlanders charged straight at the defenses. The Germans, unnerved by the stubborn courage of their  kilted opponents, began to fall back through the village of Loos. The Camerons and the Black Watch, shouting their battle cry and charging down the main road of the village, then engaged the defending Germans in a series of savage battles for each and every house - hob-nailed boots, rifle butts, and bayonets being wielded with great enthusiasm by the vengeful Scots. By 8.00am the village was in Scottish hands. Faster Boys - Give Them Hell! Loos, September 25th 1915 by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1664
This incident took place on October 23rd,1914. A party of German soldiers had been driven to take shelter in the small house. British artillery then targeted the house, making the situation of the Germans uncomfortable. Under cover of the bombardment, a company of Cameron Highlanders rushed the position, intercepting the Germans as they tried to extricate themselves. After a brief struggle, and being somewhat unnerved by the prompt appearance of the Highlanders; the German group surrendered. Cameron Highlanders Capture a German Force on the Yser by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1665
Very few of the British soldiers made it through the barbed wire defences, and even fewer to the German trenches. By the end of the first day the British losses were 60,000 men.The Battle of the Somme - At the German Trenches by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1666
Renault FT 17 baby tanks of the recently formed US 304th tank brigade commanded by the young Lt. Col George S. Patton Jnr. are employed for the first time during the allied assault on the St Mihiel Salient. Leading the 344th battalion in person Patton and his tanks help the infantry divisions push the enemy back to the Hindenberg line in only 4 days. Baptism of Fire - St Mihiel Salient, 12th – 15th September 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1688
Schneider CA1 Tanks of the French tenth army spearhead the successful counter offensive against the German army on the river Marne. Overhead a tenacious Junkers JI artillery spotter dogs their tracks. The Second Battle of the Marne, though not an overwhelming victory, spelt the end of German successes on the Western front, and a turning point for the allies. Tanks on the Marne - France, 18th July 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1689
St. Charmond Assault tanks of the French 10th Heavy Tank battalion move through Villers-Cotterets forest in preparation for the 10th Army counterattack on the German Soissons-Rheims salient. A Saint goes to War - The Second Marne Offensive, France 18th July 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1690
Fourteen A7V Sturmpanzerwagen and supporting infantry led the final push towards the strategic allied supply hub of Amiens. The panzers were divided into 3 groups, the first Skopnik with 3 tanks attacked and took Villers Bretoneux. The second group Uihlein of seven tanks struck towards the Bois DAquenne, while the third group Steinhardt comprising Elfriede, Nixe, Siegfried and Schnuck drove towards Cachy. The attack may well have succeeded but for the unexpected intervention of Britsh Mk IV and medium Whippet tanks. The New War Elephants, Cachy, France 24th April 1918 by David Pentland.Click For DetailsDHM1691
German forces begin their assault on the Nimy Bridge, 23rd August 1914. The bridge was defended by the 4th Battalion The Royal Fusiliers.German Assault on the Nimy Bridge, Mons, 23rd August 1914 by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1758
The Middlesex Regiment advance across No Mans Land during the Battle of the Somme. Advance into Hell by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1759
The German attack on the British trenches at Passchendaele in the rain. Passchendaele by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1760
Australian VC winner-Private Albert Jacka, 14th battalion. He killed nine Turks who had bombed and infiltrated an Australian trench at Courtneys post during the great Turkish assault on 19th May. Gallipoli - Courtneys Trench by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1768
The 2nd Australian Brigade were brought up to reinforce the British attempt to force the Turkish positions at Achi-baba. this action developed into the second Battle of Krithia. 2nd Australian Brigade fighting in Gully Ravine by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1779
Assault in the vicinity of Thiepval by the Ulster division-1st July 1916. The 11th Royal Irish Rifles, moving forward from the A line of trenches, and moving forward to attack the B line of trenches, the attacking infantry are preceded by Bombers - seen carryng grenades in green canvas buckets - who are engaged in throwing grenades in anticipation of the rifle company assault on the enemy trenches; an activity barely changed since the days of Marlborough. The rifle companies are armed with the Lee Enfield SMLE - a superb rifle, though expensive to make. The advance is made with bayonets fixed, as trench clearing involved numerous hand to hand confrontations and bayonet fights. The rifle companies are supported by two Lewis gun teams per company. Note that visible in the painting is a man carrying an orange painted steel marker, painted on one side only. The markers are to to indicate to British artillery observers as to the most forward positions taken by the British advance. Naturally, one does not present the orange side to the enemy! The Great Folly of 1916 by Jason Askew.Click For DetailsDHM1802
DHM2001GL. Goodbye My Old Friend by Matania. Goodbye My Old Friend by Matania. (GL)Click For DetailsDHM2001
GDHM3017GL. Lance Sergeant Fred McNess VC, Scots Guards in Action Near Gincy, France 15th September 1916 By David Rowlands. Lance Sergeant Fred McNess VC, Scots Guards in Action Near Gincy, France 15th September 1916 By David Rowlands. (GL)Click For DetailsDHM3017
GDHM3019GL. Sergeant John McAulay, 1st Battalion Scots Guards Winning the VC at Fontaine Notre Dame, France 27th November 1917 By David Rowlands.Sergeant John McAulay, 1st Battalion Scots Guards Winning the VC at Fontaine Notre Dame, France 27th November 1917 By David Rowlands. (GL)Click For DetailsDHM3019
GDHM9020GL. 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment at Audregneis, 24th August 1914 by David Rowlands. 1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment at Audregneis, 24th August 1914 by David Rowlands (GL)Click For DetailsDHM9020
Machine gunners then and now. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers by David Rowlands (GL)Click For DetailsDHM9026
DK0001. Nachtlicher Sturmangriff auf englische Schutzengraben an der Afer am 26 Oktober 1914 bei Langemarck. Nachtlicher Sturmangriff auf englische Schutzengraben an der Afer am 26 Oktober 1914 bei Langemarck.Click For DetailsDK0001
DK0002. Befuch des Kaifers auf dem Schlachtfelde bei Dirton. Befuch des Kaifers auf dem Schlachtfelde bei Dirton.Click For DetailsDK0002
DK0003. Die bayerische Wanenbrigade attackiert bei Lagarde franzosische Artillerie (II August 1914) Die bayerische Wanenbrigade attackiert bei Lagarde franzosische Artillerie (II August 1914)Click For DetailsDK0003
DK0004. Die Bayern im Bayonettkampf bei Dieuze (20 August 1914) Die Bayern im Bayonettkampf bei Dieuze (20 August 1914)Click For DetailsDK0004
DK0005. Deutsche Infanterie bringt in der Schlacht bei Tannenberg durch Ortelsburg vor (29 August 1914) Deutsche Infanterie bringt in der Schlacht bei Tannenberg durch Ortelsburg vor (29 August 1914)Click For DetailsDK0005
DK0006. Strassenkampfe in Shabak. Strassenkampfe in Shabak.Click For DetailsDK0006
The emergency in which Lance- Corporal Parker, of the 5th Kings Own Scottish Borderers, proved his prowess was as unexpected as formidable. Parker and his men was on the Gallipoli Peninsula on the 14th September 1915, constructing under the Turkish trenches a mine gallery, which suddenly broke into a hostile gallery. A weird subterranean contest then began. Parker held off the Turks with his rifle though they fired on him and threw bombs at him. Then he was driven out by fumes, but returned and filled up the breach so that a charge might be laid and the enemy’s works destroyed. He was awarded the D.C.M. Lance-Corporal M. Parker Holding Turks At Bay In A Mine Gallery.Click For DetailsDTE0008
Bombardier C. W. Cook, of the 368th Battery, Royal Artillery, won the D.C.M. for a remarkable example of cool courage and presence of mind at Cape Helles on the Gallipoli Peninsula. On June 28th 1915, the position of his battery was discovered by Turkish observers on the Asiatic shore and was subjected to a severe fire from heavy howitzers. One lucky shot hit the gun on which Cook was working and killed or wounded the whole detachment. A little later the ammunition wagon was set on fire. Bombardier Cook immediately rushed forward to save the ammunition. No one could have blamed him for retiring to a safe distance in such an emergency, but so far from retiring he saved most of the shells from the wagon and also the ammunition stored in the pits instead. Bombardier Cook Taking Live Shells out of a Blazing Ammunition Wagon.Click For DetailsDTE0011
On October 30th 1914, Colgraves regiment, the 5th Lancers, was extremely hard pressed near Hollebeke and a battalion of Indian infantry was sent up to support them. Their battalion came under an extremely heavy fire and soon lost all its officers, while the men, leaderless and shaken, became demoralised. Colgrave, retiring with a scattered body of Indians, rallied them and led them back in time to shatter the German infantry attack. He then rallied other bodies and also carried a wounded officer into safety, services for which he received the D.C.N. Lance-Corporal Colgrave Rallying Indian Troops And Leading Them Into Action At Hollebeke.Click For DetailsDTE0012
On November 6th 1914, a German set fire, near the village of Fleurbaix, to a farm which belonged to an old woman who had refused to leave it though it was always in danger of destruction. The old womans existence was known to Sergeant-Major Sharpington, who was with his company of 1st Royal Fusiliers in a trench near by. The building was in a blaze, but without hesitation he entered it through a window, found its occupant unconscious on the floor, and carried her to safety through a hole in the wall made by a shell. For this action he received the D.C.M. Sergeant-Major Sharpington Rescuing An Old Woman From A Burning Farm.Click For DetailsDTE0020
A large party of Germans in an advanced trench in a wood surprised Lance- Corporal McDonnell and two companions of the 1st Grenadier Guards when reconnoitring on the Aisne on The 23rd of September 1914. The enemy thought they had there preyed secure and began leisurely to walk out to take the three men prisoners. To their astonishment McDonnell gave a sharp order to fire, and the bullets flew thick and fast, finding many a victim. Before the Germans could recover from their confusion the three audacious Guardsmen had made good their escape. He was awarded the D.C.M. Lance-Corporal McDonnell Shows What Three Brave Men Can Do Against Ten Times Their Number.Click For DetailsDTE0023
Gas is always a deadly enemy to those engaged in military mining operations. On October 25th 1915, the two companions of Private McChord, of the 12th April and Sutherland Highlanders were suddenly overcome by suffocating fumes when a long way down a mine gallery. McChord was himself suffering severely from the effects of the gas, but he was not the man to let his companions die and save himself. In his weakened condition he dragged both men to the mineshaft, attached a rope round them and carried it to the surface, to which they were safely drawn. Private McChord Won The D.C.M. For Rescuing Two Gassed Sappers From A Mine.Click For DetailsDTE0024
On November 5th 1914, near Neuve Chapelle, about six oclock in the evening, Private Mead heard a man crying for help and fort water. The cry came from the direction of a German trench, which earlier in the day had been taken by the 1st Connaught Rangers, who, however, had subsequently been compelled to abandon it. Private Mead immediately left his trench and ran across the open to the spot whence the cry had come, and found Lance-Corporal Ely lying badly wounded in the German trench. He raised the wounded men’s head ad poured some water down his throat, and then finding that he could not lift him over the parapet alone, he went back, fetched two of his comrades, Privates Otton and Spencer. They succeeded in carrying Ely to within a few yards of the British trench when the Germans saw them. Both Mead and Otton were killed instantly, but Spencer succeeded in dragging the wounded man into safety, though not before his clothes and equipment had been almost riddled with bullets. This gallant deed was recognised by the award of the D.C.M. to each of the three men. The Great Act Of Heroism Of Privates H. G. F. Mead, J. W. Otton And A. S. S. Spencer, Of The 4th Battalion Middlesex Regiment.Click For DetailsDTE0031
On August 26th 1914, the Royal Field Artillery did some magnificent rearguard work and saved the infantry from destruction. The guns were fought until the advancing German masses were right on the gunners and the guns had then to be abandoned. Captain Reynolds, of the 37th Battery, however, meant to save his guns if it were humanly possible, and he brought up two teams in the hope of bringing at least two guns away. The men of one team were shot down, but Captain Reynolds and Drivers Drain, Gobley and Luke limbered up one gun and started off. Gobley, driving the centre pair, was hit almost at once, and then Captain Reynolds showed great resource by riding alongside the unguided pair and keeping them in hand. Captain Douglas Reynolds And Drivers Drain And Luke Winning The V.C. For Saving A Gun At Le Cateau.Click For DetailsDTE0032
When only Lieutenant Smyth and Sepoy Lal Singh were left of the original eleven they reached a small stream. They were subjected to a heavy fire, and it was some time before they discovered a fordable spot. There they crossed, carrying a box of bombs between them and escaping disaster by some miracle. They reached he firing trench at last, but unfortunately Lal Singh was almost immediately killed. Lieutenant Smyth received the Victoria Cross for this heroic exploit and the ten brave Indians were rewarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. The Last Stage Of Lieutenant Smyths Heroic Journey.Click For DetailsDTE0036
After nearly three complete days of fighting in the Lone Pine trenches, during the longest and fiercest hand-to-hand struggle which had yet occurred in the Peninsula, the Turks still held a big communication trench winding almost directly to the point which was at first chosen for the headquarters. While Brigadier Smythe was standing outside the office the Turks had come up the trench, marching calmly three abreast, round the last elbow into the full view of some who were standing with the headquarters party. Only a low barricade, breast high, separated them, Lieutenant Howell Price, subsequently commanding the 3rd Battalion, shot two with his revolver. An Early Incident Before The Occasion On Which Captain Shout Won The V.C.Click For DetailsDTE0042
During the terrible German bombardment of Ypres and neighbourhood in April and May, it was quite impossible to find safe quarters even for hospital installations. The artillery and transport horses were continually under fire and many crises occurred. On one occasion a barn in which several horses were stalled was set on fire by a shell. The plight of the terrified animals can well be imagined, but driver G. smith, of the 61st Battery R.F.A., proved himself a man for the moment, and, rushing into the burning building, drew them out into safety, for which action he received the D.C.M. Driver G. Smith Saving Panic Stricken Horses From A Burning Farm.Click For DetailsDTE0046
Quartermaster-Sergeant Downs was largely responsible for the training of the machine gunners of the 1st Cheshire Regiment, who did brilliant work in the early stages of the campaign. On one occasion downs and his section were working their machine guns from a haystack for five days to cover the advance of the regiment. All that time they were under heavy shellfire, and the stack itself was hit once, whilst some artillery near by suffered heavy casualties. Nevertheless as observer, he was able to signal the position of a German trench, which was demolished by howitzers. Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Downs Working His Machine Gun From A Haystack For Five Days Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0054
On another occasion, during the first German onslaught on Ypres in October and November 1914, a mass attack compelled the evacuation of the trenches to the left of the 1st Cheshires. Downs and his machine gunners strove to prevent the enemy from pouring through the gap thus created, but one by one the men were struck down by shellfire and finally Downs was left alone. He then worked his gun with extraordinary skill and determination, maintaining so hot a fire on the advancing masses that they broke and gave time for British reinforcements to come up. For this invaluable service Downs was awarded the D.C.M. Quartermaster-Sergeant Downs, The Last Survivor Of His Machine Gun Section, Beats Off A German Attack And Saves The Line From Being Broken.Click For DetailsDTE0057
It was during in the heavy fighting at Neuve Chapelle, from the 11th to the 14th March 1915, that Lieut. A. C. Hincks, of the 26th Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C. (T.F., 2nd Wessex), won the Military Cross. There were many wounded men to be attended to, and Lieut. Hincks showed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in bandaging up their wounds and seeing that they were sent back safely to the dressing stations behind the firing line. On one occasion while he was performing one of these acts of kindness a shell struck the ambulance wagon, killed the wounded man and knocked Lieutenant Hincks down, rendering him unconscious. On recovering he disregarded his own ills and at once set about to collect the wounded under fire, and continued doing so throughout the night until everyone was attended. A Shell Struck The Ambulance Wagon, Killing One Man And Rendering Lieutenant Hincks Unconscious.Click For DetailsDTE0065
Mending telephone wires is an important but often a very dangerous operation. On 6th August 1915, Bombardier O. C. Dubois, 460th (Howitzer) Battery, R.F.A., spent four hours at Cape Helles, going now here, now there to repair the wires wherever they were broken. He was under exceptionally heavy shellfire the whole time. For doing this work well and effectively and for the act illustrated on the following page he was awarded the D.C.M. Bombardier Dubois Repairing Telephone Wires In Gallipoli.Click For DetailsDTE0066
When the first German attack on the Ypres salient in November 1914, culminated in a charge of the Prussian Guard on November 11th, Sergeant Clarke was stationed with his troop of the 15th Hussars and a party of Turcos in the Chateau of Herentage with orders to hold it at all cost. The Prussian Guard broke the British front line, and advancing in a great wave, surged round the Chateau, but Clarke had posted his men so skilfully that their rapid fire made the enemy think the place was held in force and they made no attempt to storm it. For two and a half hours this handful of men was utterly isolated, but at length relief arrived. Clarke received the D.C.M. for his leadership in a critical situation. Sergeant Clarke Directing The Defence Of Chateau Herentage During The First Battle Of Ypres.Click For DetailsDTE0074
On the day of April 13th, Major Wheeler and his squadron (Indian Lancers) were entrusted with the task of carrying the Turkish position on the North Mound. The project was a desperate one, for the Turks were well entrenched. Major Wheeler decided to charge straight for the section where two Turkish standards were waving, rightly surmising that the loss of their flag would demoralize the enemy. The Turks, however, fought with extreme courage and steadiness and opened a devastating fire on the advancing cavalry. The Lancers began to waver. Then it was that Major Wheeler showed the spirit that was in him. Bit by bit he drew ahead of his men, and when last seen he was making straight for the standards, one man against many. He reached the Mound, but only to suffer a heros death and to gain a heros reward - the Victoria Cross. Major Wheeler Riding To His death at The North Mound.Click For DetailsDTE0079
On September 30th 1915, a British trench near Zillebeke was mined by the Germans and almost destroyed. Lance Corporal C. Leadbeater, of the 1/5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (TF) was in charge of the listening post at the end of the trench at the time. The violence of the explosion blew him bodily over the parapet and inflicted severe injuries, but, notwithstanding his sufferings, he crawled back to the ruined trench, and, collecting his men, ordered them to open rapid fire in anticipation of a German attempt to secure the mine crater. This prompt action saved the situation. The German infantry faltered and the attack was not pressed home. Leadbeater remained with his men until ordered to go to the dressing station. He was awarded the D.C.M. Mined! A Wonderful Escape And Its Heroic Sequel.Click For DetailsDTE0082
During the heavy fighting near Ploegteert, in October 1914, a battery of the R.F.A. (Royal Field Artillery) behind the crest of a hill had the misfortune to be discovered by German artillery observers and subjected to a systematic shelling. In such circumstances the gunners had no option but to retire to their gun pits, rely on luck and hope for happier times. The occupants of one gun pit, however, were out of luck. A large shell scored all but a direct hit and buried them alive. Their plight was critical, when a young bombardier, Ernest George Cooper, sprang forward with a small party to dig them out. Two were quickly saved, but the third had six feet of earth above him and he was nearly dead before his rescue was affected. During this time the German howitzers had not ceased to devote their energies to the destruction of this battery. Bombardier Cooper Digging Out Men Buried In A Gun Pit.Click For DetailsDTE0086
On the 30th October 1914, the Allied forces, which were advancing northeast and east of Ypres, were vigorously attacked by a large German force, but not only were all the attacks repulsed, but progress was made. It was during these operations that Sergeant H. W. R. Bougler, Signal Service, R.E., won the D.C.M. under circumstances of great danger. Although a certain portion of the ground, over half a mile in extent, was so heavily fire swept, he took his heavy cable cart across it, accompanied by a few men, and succeeded in establishing communications with our forward lines. Sergeant Boulger Taking His Heavy Cable Cart Across Half A Mile Of Fire Swept Ground.Click For DetailsDTE0090
On April 28th 1915, poisonous fumes in a mine gallery at Kemmel overcame three officers and a sergeant. Lance-Corporal Gray, of the 4th Middlesex, ordered four of his men to descend the mine and bring them up. After two officers had been saved, he descended himself to help the third officer and the sergeant. He found the mine gallery full of fumes and the officer quite helpless, but he dragged him to the shaft, from which he was drawn to the surface. The rescuers were by this time themselves suffering agonies from the gas, but Gray descended again to help the sergeant, who was brought up, but too late. Gray was awarded the D.C.N. Lance Corporal Gray Rescuing A Gassed Officer From A Mine Gallery.Click For DetailsDTE0097
Lieutenant Martin (56th Field Company Royal Engineers) gained his first distinction, the D.S.O., in the retreat from Mons, when he was wounded. Though wounded again during the battle of Neuve Chapelle he refused to retire, but heading a party of six volunteer bombers, he led them with such resolute bravery that they drove the enemy from a section of their trenches at Spanbroek Molen. Then after securing themselves by transposing the parapet and piling up sandbags, they awaited a counter attack. When the attack cam they held overwhelming numbers of the enemy at bay for two and a half hours. They were ultimately forced to retire, but their gallant defence was of great value in preventing German reinforcements passing through this section of the trenches. Lieutenant Martins splendid courage and energy had gained for him the V.C. Lieutenant Martin, D.S.O., R.E., And A Small Bombing Party Holding Back The Germans At Spanbroek Molen.Click For DetailsDTE0098
There was plenty of work for No.6 Field Ambulance, the unit to which Acting-Lance-Corporal Giles (Royal Army Medical Corps) was attached, during the desperate fighting round Ypres in October and November 1914. On one occasion it was imperative that the wounded should be removed from the First Aid Post to the Ambulance. Giles had already carried one man back into safety, and was making a second journey, supporting two others, when Zonnebeke church was set on fire by a shell, and the three men were plainly revealed to the enemy, who opened a heavy fire. They sheltered in a ditch for twenty minutes, and then resumed their journey, and though a bullet tore Giles coat he was not hit. Betrayed By The Flames - Acting Lance-Corporal Giles Discovered And Fired On While Assisting Two Wounded Men To The Dressing Station.Click For DetailsDTE0102
On the next day, Giles (Royal Army Medical Corps) showed no less coolness and heroism in directing the work of stretcher-bearers who were removing wounded from a battery a severe bombardment. He brought up several stretcher-squads, and in spite of casualties the work was performed with as much speed and precision as if the affair were a mere demonstration. For his highly commendable conduct, Giles received the D.C.M., and has since been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Acting Lance Corporal Giles Removing Wounded From A Battery Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0105
On the 1st November 1914, at Ypres, when the guns of the 150th Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, were being continually employed in shelling the enemy, a breech mechanism of a gun at which Sergeant D. B. Bailey was working became overheated and resulted in premature firing, causing the carriage to recoil. Sergeant Bailey was thrown to the ground by this on several occasions, and showed most gallant spirit in working his gun after regaining consciousness. Again on the next day he continued to work his gun after being wounded in the head by a shrapnel bullet. For his bravery on this occasion and on many others, he was awarded the D.C.M. The Recoil Of His Gun Often Threw Sergeant Bailey To The Ground.Click For DetailsDTE0106
The next day, October 29th, Neville (15th Hussars) was sent with another message. He had to make his way to a point in the British lines marked by a windmill, a prominent object in the landscape, but as the road had become impassable through the enemys attention, he had no alternative but to strike across country. When within five hundred yards of his objective, a huge howitzer shell hurled out of space, landed a few feet away, and threw man and horse to the ground with the force of the explosion. Neville could only lead the frightened animal to a farm and complete his journey in a crawl. So Near And Yet So Far, Private Nevilles Narrow Escape.Click For DetailsDTE0110
For the third day in success Private Neville (15th Hussars) had an opportunity to proving his resource in a critical situation. He was riding to the headquarters of an infantry brigade when he came upon a motorcyclist lying wounded by the roadside. The wounded man had been charged with an urgent verbal message, the failure to deliver which was causing him more agony than his wound. Neville immediately took the message to its destination, and thus was intrumental in averting a disaster. Private Neville Receiving A Message From A Wounded Motorcyclist.Click For DetailsDTE0113
While the 5th Dragoon Guards were in the trenches near Zillebeke, at the end of February 1915, the German snipers in a wood were becoming a serious nuisance. Sergeant Croft made up his mind to get rid of this, and one evening he made his way slowly and cautiously through the wood. Suddenly he heard voices quite close to him, and there just ahead of him was a trench in which was a party of Germans. Croft had brought with him a couple of revolvers, and drawing these, he took cover behind a tree and began blazing away at the astonished Germans. Shrieks and cries told him that at least some of these shots had not been wasted, and soon the enemy, evidently under the impression that a big party had surprised them, abandoned the trench and ran off to their own line. From that time the 5th Dragoon Guards ceased to be troubled by snipers in this direction. How Sergeant Major Croft, Single Handed, Disposed Of A Party Of Germans.Click For DetailsDTE0119
The duties of the Engineers are more manifold than those of any other part of the forces, and include making roads, bridges and railways, working telegraphs telephones, balloons, preparing camps, water supply, field work for attacking or defence, and for the demolition of those of the enemy. In the present war the Royal Engineers have nobly lived (and died) up to their great traditions, and several of their number have already won the V.C. by daring deeds, one of which is here illustrated. Lance Corporal Jarvis, of the 57th Field Company, royal Engineers, won his V.C. for great gallantry at Jemappes, which is three miles west of Mons, on the 23rd of August 1914. He worked for three and a half hours under a most deadly fire in full view of the enemy, and eventually was successful in laying a fire charge for the demolition of a bridge. How Lance Corporal C. A. Jarvis Blew Up The Bridge At Jemappes.Click For DetailsDTE0122
So terrible had been the effect of the artillery bombardment and the mine explosions that nearly the whole British line had been driven from its trenches, and soon Glover and his men (2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers) were almost surrounded. Standing in the trench with his hand raised, whilst high explosive shells burst all around shaking the ground as if convulsed by an earthquake, Glover signalled to his men to cease firing on the retreating bombers that they might husband their ammunition. He then stationed men to defend the trench on a new front, and four or five were told off to fire from the extreme right of the original front, which was defended by the remaining men. Though compelled to defend themselves against attacks from every side, the little party stood their ground with indomitable gift and courage until. The splendid services of Sergeant-Major Glover were rewarded with the D.C.M. and the Medaille Militaire of France was also conferred upon him. Company-Sergeant-Major Glover Signals The Order To Cease Firing On The Retreating Bombers.Click For DetailsDTE0126
The splendid services of the Indian soldiers in every country ravaged by the War have been rightly recognised. Their brave conduct in action has given much pleasure, especially to the King-Emperor, by whose command many awards have been destroyed. It was during the fighting in British East Africa, at Tsavi River, on September 6th 1914, that Naik Gul Muhammad, of the 29th Punjabis, was awarded the Indian Order of Merit for conspicuous gallantry, resourcefulness and pluck. He shown a fine sense of his duty in bringing up reinforcements, during which undertaking he was severely wounded. Naik Gul Muhammad Bringing Up Reinforcements At Tsavo River Though Severely Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0130
Covering such a long extent, as do the lines of the British and Germans in their course through Belgium, it happens that both sometimes verge on woods, which offer the same cover. For this reason it is necessary to keep a sharp look out on the enemy, and patrols, listening for sounds of the enemys movements, are always active in such places. On the night of April 18th 1915, while forming one of a listening patrol of four men in a wood at Steenbecque, near Wulverghem, Private Sheil encountered a similar patrol of the enemy. Creeping up he seized one of the patrollers from behind; but the others, being put on their guard, opened fire and shot dead a British patroller. With great pluck, however, Sheil held on to his man, and his bravery was afterwards rewarded with the D.C.M. Private B. R. Sheil, Of The 1/8th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Capturing A German Patroller.Click For DetailsDTE0137
On attacking the British line at Becelacre, on November 11th 1915, the enemy succeeded in capturing part of the trenches. A dangerous situation was created by their presence, as they held their ground with a strong force of men, and it appeared probable that the advantage gained would be followed by another attack in company with troops from the main German line. At a moment, therefore, when a leader of great dash and determination was required, Lieutenant Brodie took command. As usual in such an encounter, the men fixed bayonets, then rushing forward through the trench they bayoneted or shot, as they went no less than eighty Germans, besides capturing fifty-one prisoners. Lieutenant Brodie high courage and determination was rewarded with the V.C. Lieutenant Lorrain Brodie And His Men Driving The Enemy From British Trenches At Becelaere.Click For DetailsDTE0138
About 3 p.m. on May 2nd 1915, a greenish-yellow cloud, betokening the terrible poison gas, came drifting forward from the German lines northeast of Ypres, and as it reached the British front men were seen to leave the trenches. Lieutenant Irwin and his men occupied a support trench six hundred yards behind the fire trenches, and on realising the danger to the retiring men he sent out a party to cover their retreat. Seeing, however, that the retirement was extending, he recalled them, and dashing in front of the support trench, gave the order to advance. Rushing forward amidst rifle and artillery fire with another officer and about forty N.C.O.s and men, they re-occupied the abandoned trenches. On entering them, about four hundred yards were found unoccupied except by an officer. Captain Pechell, who received the Military Cross, a Sergeant who received the D.C.M., and ten privates. Lieutenant Irwin is only twenty-three years of age, but the skill and determination as a leader of infantry have won for him early promotion and he was rewarded on this occasion with the Military Cross. Lieutenant N. M. S. Irwin Dashing Forward With His Men To Re-Occupy Trenches Evacuated Owing To Poison Gas.Click For DetailsDTE0142
When the railway was reached, it was discovered that further progress was blocked by a culvert which the Germans had barricaded in such a way that only one man could pass through the opening at a time. It was also discovered that the Germans had no intention of waiting to be attacked, but were attempting to outflank and cut off the party. It was essential that they should not use the opening in the culvert, and for an hour and a half Seaman (2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards) stationed himself by the arch, shooting down those who tried to pass through the gap. He was wounded by a bomb, fortunately not seriously enough to incapacitate him. The other party largely owing to seamans display of courage and determination eventually recaptured the lost trench. He received the D.C.M., as also did Privates D. White, F. Richardson and S. B. Leslie for their gallant conduct in bombing the enemys position. Company-Sergeant-Major Seaman Holding Back The Germans Single Handed.Click For DetailsDTE0158
On February 1st 1915, in the brisk action at Cuinchy, the Germans captured a trench held by the Irish and Coldstream Guards. A tremendous storm of gun and rifle fire was poured upon the trench with a view to its recapture. During the action, Lance-Corporal O’Leary spotted a German machine gun which would play havoc with our men when they advanced. Orders were given for the Irish to go forward, but OLeary meanwhile had not forgotten the machine gun. He put on his best pace, and within a few seconds found himself in a corner of the German trench on the way to his goal. Immediately ahead of him was a barricade, but its five defenders quickly paid with their live the penalty of standing between an Irishman and his hearts desire. How Lance-Corporal Michael OLeary Won The V.C. At Cuinchy.Click For DetailsDTE0162
At 5 a.m. on May 9th 1915, the British artillery began to bombard the German lines at Rouges Bancs. Half an hour later the attack was begun. The British went forward with great dash, capturing the enemys first line trenches and a few points beyond. But the German line was very strong, and from numerous fortified positions the enemy directed a withering fire against the British. With an officer and four men, Private T. Bull, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, succeeded in reaching the parapet of the enemys trench at a particular point in their lines, and all except Bull lay down. He was the only bomb thrower of the party, and the only man to survive. For his conspicuous gallantry and determination he was awarded the D.C.M. Private T. Bull Hurling Bombs At The Enemy From The Parapet Of Their Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0170
The most critical day in the retreat from the Marne was August 26th 1914. The dogged resistance of the British under General Smith-Dorrien at Le Cateau broke the force of the German pursuit, but as the enemy came steadily onwards, Northern France was seized with chaos. At Boue, Sergeant of the Sanitary Squad, Royal Army Medical corps, had to take forcible possession of and remove a supply train, which was filled with wounded to Etreux. Here the driver escaped with his engine, leaving to Cooke the business of commandeering another. For the conspicuous gallantry resource and initiative which he showed at a most trying time, he was rewarded with the D.C.M. British Wounded Being Put On board A Supply Train Under Orders Of Sergeant J. Cooke.Click For DetailsDTE0174
Jasin Post, twenty miles within German East African territory was occupied in December 1914. A German attack on January 12th 1915 was beaten off, but six days later the enemy returned in great strength. On the night of January 18th Bal Bahadur Chetti and Dal Bahadur Thaps, of the 2nd Kashmir Rifles, volunteered to carry a message to the British Force.  It was a most dangerous errand, nevertheless the two Indians set out in a dug out through the mangrove swamps. As they reached the enemys outposts which formed a close ring all round Jasin Post, they were fired upon, an found it impossible to get through. They remained out, however, all night and came back with most useful information. Their cool and courageous conduct was rewarded with the Indian Order of Merit. Sepoys Bal Bahadur Chetti And Dal Bahadur Thapa Journeying In A Dug-Out With A Message To Jasin Post.Click For DetailsDTE0178
On May 13th 1915, during the second Battle of Ypres, the British line gave way before the tremendous bombardment of the enemy, and as the huge high explosive shells burst on the parapets, completely shattering the trenches, survivors of the ordeal hastily retired. Seeing men falling back, Major George Harold Absell Ing, of the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queens Bays), came back from his trench in the front line and standing with resolute courage on a road exposed to an appalling shellfire, ordered about forty bewildered men in the act of retiring, to join his section of the defence. His gallant action had far reaching results, and he was deservedly awarded the D.S.O. Major Ing Checking A Retirement At A Critical Moment.Click For DetailsDTE0181
The passage of the Aisne was begun on Sunday, September 13th 1914, when the 8th British Brigade made the crossing at Vailly. On the following day the enemy made a counter attack at this point, and for a time the communications of the 3rd Division appeared to be in danger of being cut. No reserves were available except cavalry, but this proved sufficient in repelling the attack after hard fighting. As the 5th Cavalry Brigade was retiring across the river at Vailly, shells burn in quick succession over the pontoon bridge, and falling horses began to cause confusion. Sergeant Taylor, of the 57th Company Royal Engineers, however, rushed forward and did most gallant and effective work in clearing them away. He was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant Taylor Clearing Fallen Horses From a Pontoon Bridge at Valley.Click For DetailsDTE0182
In the military operations on the Tigris the British force advanced against Mazera, which was in the occupation of the Turks on December 7th 1914, and the enemy were driven across the river to Kurna. Lance Naik Bhau Savant, of the 110th Mahratta Light Infantry, was in command of the scouts, and in advancing under heavy fire he showed the garrison courage. He was always in the front, and when leading his men in the final bayonet charge at Mazera was most unfortunately shot through the heart. The Death Of Lance Naik Bhau Savant At Mazera.Click For DetailsDTE0186
During the operations south of Pilkem, between the 6th and 8th of July 1915, the British trenches were within sixty yards of a German sap, which had to be destroyed, with about thirty yards of thick wire entanglements, to clear the way for an infantry attack. With great coolness and enterprise. Second-Lieutenant Parr Aldous Robinson, of the 135th Battery Royal Field Artillery, conveyed under fire from the enemys guns an eighteen-pounder field gun across the Yser Canal on a raft. On being landed, it was removed to the British fire trenches, and in destroying the sap and entanglements, the gun was of great use in the way for a successful infantry attack. The conspicuous services of Second-Lieutenant Robinson were rewarded with the D.S.O. Second Lieutenant Robinson Conveying A Field Gun Across The YSER Canal Under Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0194
On advancing to attack the British trenches at Richebourg LAvoue, the Germans threw themselves flat on the ground when about eighty yards distant. With the help of a private, Sergeant Packard (East Surreys) took a machine gun over the parapet of his trench and along a ditch running at right angles to and between the opposing lines. When almost opposite the prostrate Germans, he mounted the machine gun and began firing. Before long some of the enemy appeared in the ditch, and as they crept close up to him. Packard turned the machine gun on them and they were soon wiped out. Swinging round he face the men lying in the open, and the moment they rose to attack, he directed a deadly fire on them. The Germans fell back in disorder, leaving the ground heaped with their dead and wounded. The conspicuous gallantry of Sergeant Packard was rewarded with the D.C.M. Sergeant Packard Checking The Enemys Attack With A Machine Gun At Richebourg LAvoue.Click For DetailsDTE0199
DTE202. Captain Butler and Thirteen Native Soldiers Attacking One Hundred of the Enemy in the Bush of the Cameroons. Captain Butler and Thirteen Native Soldiers Attacking One Hundred of the Enemy in the Bush of the Cameroons.Click For DetailsDTE0202
In the last days of the Battle of Festubert, on May 24th and 25th 1915, the 47th Division (2nd London Territorial) succeeded in capturing some of the enemys trenches. At Givenchy on the latter day, Lieutenant Denys Max Thomson Morland, of the 3rd London Field Company Royal Engineers Territorial Force, accompanied a London battalion in an assault on the German trenches. On finding his way into a mine, he explored it alone, and made prisoners of eighteen Germans who were hiding in it. He displayed great energy and bravery throughout the night and was rewarded with the M.C. Lieutenant Morland Making Prisoners of Eighteen Germans in a Mine at Givenchy.Click For DetailsDTE0227
On February 14th 1915, while fighting with a force sent to quell a local rising of the Dervishes at Shimberberris, Somaliland, Naik Sher Singh, of the 23rd Sikh Pioneers, courageously volunteered to place a charge of gun cotton against the door of the Dervish stronghold. But as he came close to the building he was fired upon through loopholes in the door, and fell insensible. The Gallant Exploits of Naik Sher Singh, In the Course of Which he is Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0228
Between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on May 10th 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, the regiment of the 9th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Territorial Force) was ordered to reinforce the 2nd Camerons with two companies. Major George James Christie thereupon led A and D Companies through a terrific shellfire to a position two hundred yards west of Hooge. But at 9.30 he was ordered to reinforce the trench south of the Menin Road, which was reported to be breaking. A Company was chosen, and led with dauntless courage by Major Christie; they went forward in short rushes with shouts of Good old 9thArgylls. The advance lay over a bare slope without any cover from the terrible fire, but though men fell fast these brave Scotsmen never wavered. A Company of the 9th Argylls Advancing Under Heavy Fire to Reinforce the 2nd Camerons During the Second Battle of Ypres.Click For DetailsDTE0231
One day in November 1914, when the British were fighting their way to La Bassee, Corporal F. Potter, of the 15th Hussars, was sent ahead in charge of a patrol of four men. His instructions were to reconnoitre at Bour De Vile and the village beyond, and to obtain information as to the strength of the enemy. On entering Bour De Ville Corporal Potter and his patrol caught sight of the enemy, a squadron of whose cavalry was only separated from them by a house. The patrol at once took cover behind the building, and the German cavalry, who had seen them, moved across to the other side of it in an attempt to surround Potter and his men. Corporal Potter and his Patrol Defeating the Attempt of a Squadron of German Cavalry to Surround Them..Click For DetailsDTE0235
During General Smith-Dorriens famous rearguard action at Le Cateau on August 26th 1914, Trumpeter S. F. G. Waldron, of the 37th Battery Royal Field Artillery, acted as communicating file between the captain commanding the artillery and the quartermaster-sergeant in charge of the wagon-teams and gun-limbers, two thousand yards behind the firing stations. Waldron courageously waited with a spare horse though shrapnel and high explosive shells were bursting all round him. Seeing the danger of his position, the officer at length ordered him to the rear. Though wounded, Waldron returned later in the day leading a horse, which was required at the front. His conspicuous coolness and courage were rewarded with the D.C.M. Trumpeter Waldon Bringing a Horse to the Firing Stations at Le Cateau Under Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0238
In the assault on September 25th 1915, of the salient of Sanctuary Wood, near Hooge, Acting Lance Corporal Barker, 1st Cheshire Field Company Royal Engineers (T.F.) was separated from his party. He however, at once assisted and superintended a party of the Royal Scots Fusiliers to dig himself in, and, afterwards on his own initiative, collected a party of infantry.  With them he opened up under heavy shell and machine gun fire a communication trench from the British line to the captured position. He was the last man to leave the work when it became impossible to continue. For his conspicuous gallantry and initiative, Lance-Corporal Barker was awarded the D.C.M. Acting Lance-Corporal Barker Assisting a Party Collected by him to Open out a Communication Trench Under Heavy Shell and Machine Gun Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0247
As the Lancashire Fusiliers landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25th 1915, at a point west of Cape Helles, a deadly fire assailed them from hidden machine guns. Many of the men fell, but the survivors, with undaunted courage, rushed up and cut the wire entanglements. The difficulties of the attack were supreme, but Captain Richard Raymond Willis, Sergeant Richards and Private Keneally, of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, performed signal acts of bravery and devotion to duty. The cliffs were at length gained, and the position was maintained while the conspicuous gallantry of Captain Willis was rewarded with the V.C. Captain Willis Heading a Charge by a Landing Party Through Wire Entanglements and Under Heavy Fire Near Cape Helles.Click For DetailsDTE0248
In the operations on the Suez Canal at the beginning of February 1915, the Turks delivered their main attack at a point opposite Tussum, just south of Lake Timseh. On February 3rd, Naik Safdar Ali and Sepoy Sher Khan, of the 62nd Punjabis, led their comrades down a strip of sandy bank under a very hot fire to attack the enemy who were attempting to land from a pontoon boat. In the final dash to the boat, Naik Safdar Ali was again ahead of his comrades, but he fell mortally wounded within a yard of the waters edge. He died a few minutes later, but his most gallant conduct was posthumously rewarded with the Indian Order of Merit. Naik Safdar Ali And Sepoy Sher Khan Advancing Along The West Bank Of The Suez Canal, Ahead Of Their Comrades To Attack The Turks.Click For DetailsDTE0250
The crisis of the first great battle at Ypres was reached on October 31st 1914. Fierce began early in the morning along the Ypres-Menin road, and in time the attack developed in great force against the village of Gheluvelt. To the north of it the first and third brigades of the First British Division were driven back while the 1st Coldstream Guards were wiped out in the fighting. The entire division was swept back from its position at Gheluvelt to the woods between Veldhoek and Hooge. At a critical moment, Sergeant H. Kirkcaldy, of the 26th (Heavy) Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, brought up fresh horses under a terrific shellfire to replace those already killed. His gallant conduct saved a transport wagon, and he was rewarded with the D.C.M. Sergeant Kirkcaldy Bringing Up Fresh Horses, Under A Terrific Shell Fire To Save A Transport Wagon At Veldhoek.Click For DetailsDTE0253
When on September 15th 1914, a hurricane of German shells burst over the British guns, stationed at a stone quarry on a hill near Vendresse, no cover could be found except by going to the bottom of the hill down a narrow lane. But a deadly fire swept the lane, and about forty horses, which were there, were in a terrible plight. Several of the men in charge of them had been killed. And the survivors were making desperate efforts to get the terrified animals away. On seeing their predicament, Gunner George Leonard Pond, of the 115th Battery Royal Field Artillery, and three others, bravely ran to the assistance of their comrades. Directed by an officer, who had gallantly remained on duty, though badly wounded they managed to get the horses under cover. The gallant conduct of Gunner-now Corporal-Pond all through the action was deservedly rewarded with the D.C.M. Gunner Pond And Three Comrades Rescuing Horses From A Lane Swept By Shell-Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0254
Having removed the horses, Gunner Pond at once reported himself to one of the surviving officers, by whom he was told that all except two of his comrades had reached cover at the foot of the hill. He was then ordered to go back and tell a sergeant to collect men in order to withdraw the guns and wagons by hand. The right and left sections consisting of four guns and four ammunition wagons, were removed without anyone being hit, though every few seconds the men had to leave them and dash to cover to avoid bursting shells. Some of the wheels of the gun carriages and wagons of the centre section were damaged and they did not reach cover till the evening. Gunner Pond And His Fellow Artillerymen Wheeling Guns To Cover Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0257
At ten oclock on the morning of august 7th 1915, the New Zealand Infantry Brigade attacked and carried Rhododendron Ridge, which joins the main ridge just west of Chunuk Bair. Later in the day the main ridge was reconnoitred, and in full daylight and under continuous and heavy fire, Corporal Cyril Royston Guyton Bassett, of the New Zealand Divisional Signal Company, succeeded in laying a telephone line on the ridge from the old to the new position, in order to set up communication between headquarters and the font line. For his conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty Corporal Bassett was rewarded with the V.C. Corporal Bassett Laying A Telephone Line At Chunuk Bair Under Heavy And Continuous Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0258
During the fighting about Kruistraat on November 5th 1914, Major Dixon of the 16th Lancers was mortally wounded. The Reverend Percy Wyndham Guinness, B.A., Chaplain to the forces, the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, gallantly went on his own initiative into the trenches under heavy fire, and brought the wounded officer to the ambulance. In the afternoon of the same day, being the only person with a horse in the region, which was being shelled, he rode with a message under heavy fire from the 4th Hussars to the headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade. For gallant conduct he was rewarded with the D.S.O. The Reverend P. W. Guinness. Chaplain To The Forces Riding With A Message Under Heavy Fire To The Headquarters Of The 3rd Cavalry Brigade.Click For DetailsDTE0261
On Creeping into the enemys fire line trenches in the attack near Hooge, on June 16th 1915, Lance-Corporal Joynson, of the 1st battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, met a British officer who was trying to find men for a bombing party. Going together along a communication trench. They came across one of the Liverpool Scottish-a Territorial battalion-who was also looking for bombers to drive the enemy out of a trench, part of which the Liverpool Scottish had already captured. Joynson at once offered to drive the Germans on, and on coming face-to-face with them; he bombed them so effectively that they fell back in disorder to the end of their trench. Later on, Lance Corpral (now Corporal) Joynson rendered valuable service to the Royal Irish Rifles, and was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry. Lance-Corporal Joynson Heading An Attack And Driving The Enemy Back With BombsClick For DetailsDTE0266
On November 16th 1914, soon after the opening of the Persian Gulf campaign, news reached the British Force that the Turkish garrison of Basra was advancing to give battle, and as the position of European in the city appeared to be precarious, the advance was begun early on the morning of the 17th. The main force of the enemy was concentrated at Sahil, close to the river. While under fire from an old fort, lying on the edge of a palm grove on the enemys flank, Subadar Sebal Singh and Lance-Naik Net Singh, of the 104th Wellesleys Rifles, gallantly stormed the outer wall of the fort, at the head of some twenty or thirty men of various units. They were the first in this part of the line to enter the enemys position, and Subadar Sabal Singh and Lance-Naik Net Singh were rewarded with the Indian Order of Merit for their conspicuous gallantry. Subadar Sabal Singh And Lance-Naik Net Singh Climbing A Wall At The Head Of Their Comrades To Storm A Turkish Stronghold At Sahil.Click For DetailsDTE0269
This was one of the fine exploits, which marked the bitter fighting round Hooge on august 9th 1915, and the following days. On the 11th a telephone dug out was blown in, and both the operators were wounded. Private S. Wilson of the 1st East Kents immediately volunteered to act as substitute. He worked the telephone continuously in a hurricane of shellfire, which more than once just failed to blot him and his post out of experience. At one time he was completely isolated, as the neighbouring trenches had temporarily to be abandoned. Thanks to his resolution, telephonic communication was maintained, a matter of extreme importance, and his D.C.M. was fully earned. Private Wilson Working The Telephone In An Abandoned Trench Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0270
During the fighting on December 7th 1914, in the operations of the Persian Gulf Expeditionary Force at Kurna, Subadar Dunga Rawat, of the 120th Rajputana Infantry, with half the double company, which was about two hundred yards in the rear, reached the river bank, opposite Kurna. The place was strongly held by the enemy, and a heavy fire from the front and left flank swept them at very close range. Returning, however, Subadar Dunga Rawat brought up the remainder of his command to the riverbank, two sections at a time. He carried out his orders with great coolness and bravery, and was deservedly rewarded with the Indian Order of Merit. Subadar Dunga Rawat Bringing Up Troops To The River At Kurna, Under Very Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0274
During an engagement in which guns had been withdrawn from action, Driver F. S. Brown, of the 80th battery Royal Field Artillery, gallantly took two horses up to the front, and waited there, under heavy fire, for the wounded, which were being dressed. As soon as they were ready, he brought them, seated on the horses, to safety. For his gallant conduct he was rewarded with the D.C.M. Driver Brown Returning With wounded on horseback From The Firing Line.Click For DetailsDTE0277
At Kurna on December 8th 1914, volunteers were called for to swim across the Tigris, about 150 yards wide, carrying with them a line to the opposite bank. Havildar Ghulam Nabi, Lance-Naik Nur Dad and Sapper Ghulam Haidar, all of No. 17 Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners, at once volunteered to swim across, although the opposite bank of the river was held by considerable numbers of the enemy. The undertaking was rendered still more dangerous as the tide was ebbing fast and the water was very cold. The three men were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, for their gallant services enabled a flying bridge to be prepared for the passage of the troops. Havildar Ghulam Nabi, Lance-Naik Nur Dad And Sapper Ghulam Haidar Swimming The Tigris To Prepare A Flying Bridge.Click For DetailsDTE0278
Towards dawn on the morning of August 9th 1915, Private Henry Devenish Skinner, of the 14th South Otago Regiment, N.Z.R., saw from his trench at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli Peninsula, a light burning a short way in front. Thinking that it might possibly attract the enemys fire, he passed word along the trench that he was going out to extinguish it, and taking with him a friend named Levett, he crawled out of the trench. As they came near the light the two men saw to their astonishment that it came from a dead man whose body was burning, and from which there rose a small flame. Private Skinner And A Comrade Crawling From Their Trench At Chunk Bair To Extinguish A Strange Light.Click For DetailsDTE0282
Skinner had received a head wound early in the day, but at three oclock in the afternoon he gallantly offered to carry a dispatch to Divisional Headquarters and a message to reinforcements, which were believed to be stationed in a hollow near by. He crawled to the end of the trenches, and then, a mark for snipers, dashed across a stretch of fairly level ground, which ended in a gully. On crawling into the gully a terrible sight lay before him. The dead and wounded were on every side, and the plight of the latter was piteous. There was no trace of the reinforcements, and as he lay on the ground a shell burst just above him. Seeing it would be unsafe to remain there any longer, he returned to Divisional Headquarters and reported what he had seen. Skinner was deservedly rewarded with the D.C.M. for bravery and devotion to duty. Private Skinner Crawls Into A Gully To Look For Reinforcements, But Finds The Place Filled With Dead & Dying Men.Click For DetailsDTE0285
With hastening with an officer and a private to the roof of a house near Neuve Chapelle to recover a Maxim gun, Corporal John William Windell of the 2md Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, saw from the attic some of the enemy digging themselves in, while a considerable number were advancing to occupy an abandoned British trench. He at once trained the gun on the advancing Germans, but very soon bullets began to splash against the roof, which sheltered him. The firing came from a machine gun in a house five hundred yards away, and on turning his gun on it, Corporal Windell actually silenced his opponent. He again trained his gun on the advancing infantry, who fell back in disorder, but he had soon to retreat before heavy shellfire. He eventually recovered the gun, and was rewarded with the D.C.M. for his gallantry and ability. Corporal Windell Breaking-Up The Enemys Attack By The Fire Of His Machine-Gun From The Roof Of A house Near Neuve Chapelle.Click For DetailsDTE0286
In the Persian Gulf operations the British Force hoped to have the Arabs as allies against the Turks, whose rule had never been congenial to the Arabs. The appearance of the red and white flags of the Arabs with the Turkish troops, however, caused surprise and anxiety. In the thick of an engagement near Shaiba, on March 3rd 1915, a body of Arab horsemen surrounded Captain Wiloughby. With conspicuous bravery Risaldar Santa Singh, Dafadar Bisham Singh and Sowar Buda Singh, of the 33rd Queen Victorias Own Light Cavalry, charged the enemy in an attempt to rescue the officer. Risadar Santa Singh, Dafadar Bisham Singh And Sowar Buda Singh Charging To Rescue Captain Willoughby, Who Was Surrounded By Arab Horsemen.Click For DetailsDTE0289
When a German aeroplane was brought down close behind the British frontline trenches on October 26th 1915, the enemy began shelling the spot in order to destroy the machine. Second Lieutenant Stuart Arthur Vernon, of the 3rd Battalion The Border Regiment (attached to the Intelligence corps), crept out at great personal risk and saved the aeroplane from destruction. He brought back very valuable documentary information, and for conspicuous gallantry on several occasions, but notably this, was awarded the M.C.  Second Lieutenant Vernon Crawling, Under Heavy Fire, To A German Aeroplane, Brought Down just Behind The British Front Line.Click For DetailsDTE0290
At Serapeum on February 4th 1915, during the operations on the Suez Canal, the enemy made signs of surrender, and then, apparently, treacherously fired on a company of Indian troops when close to their trench. Havildar Muhammad Azim, of the 92nd Punjabis, was wounded, but gallantly remained with his section. When his company took up a position to re-engage the enemy, he kept his men steady under a hot fire and directed them with coolness and pluck. He was present at the final surrender of the enemy and marched back with the prisoners to camp, refusing any attention to his wound until he arrived there. For his conspicuous gallantry Havildar Muhammad Azim was awarded the Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class) Havildar Muhammad Azim Steadying His Men Under A Hot Fire At Serapeum After Being Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0293
On October 31st 1914, the first battle of Ypres reached its most critical stage. For a time General Allenby held the whole lne from Klein Zillebeke to Hollebeke, with only his cavalry and two exhausted battalions of the 7th Indian Brigade. While numerous German shells were bursting over the trenches at Hollebeke, a British officer, commanding a machine gun detachment, was wounded and all except one of the guns were put out of action. Though wounded he, Sepoy Khudadad, of the 129th Duke of Connaughts Own Baluchia, with great courage stayed to work his gun until all his comrades of the detachment had been killed. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry. Sepoy Khudadad Workingta Machine Gun After The Rest Of The Gun Detachment Had Been Killed.Click For DetailsDTE0294
The Germans in overwhelming numbers rushed the trench occupied by the machine gun section of the 129th Duke of Connaughts Own Baluchis at Hollebeke early on the afternoon of October 31st 1914. Naik Sar Amir had been up to the trench to see whether the last remaining guns was still working, and whether ammunition was required. He at length made his way back to the machine gun sections mules in company with a Sepoy who had been carrying up ammunition. A storm of bullets broke upon them, three passing through the Sepoys puggree, but fortunately both men escaped injury. After loading the mules with kit, Naik Sar Amir-under the fire of German rifles, only eighty or one hundred yards off-quietly led them to the new line taken up by his regiment. He was slightly wounded in the knee, but he had not reported it. For his conspicuous gallantry and coolness Naik, now Havildar, Sar Amir was awarded the Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class) Naik Sar Amir Leading Back Two Mules Laden With Kit To His Regiments New Line At Hollebeke, Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0297
At Kurna on December 4th 1914, a machine gun section was very heavily engaged with the enemy across the Tigris. When orders were given for the machine guns to retire, four men and the officer commanding the machine gun section were left to take back two guns and ammunition boxes. The guns were safely removed a distance of 250 yards to the mules, but some ammunition still remained behind. The officer thereupon called for volunteers to fetch it, and Lance-Naik Guman Singh, Riflemen Kheta Ram, Dhanna Ram and Maula Dad gallantly volunteered. The ammunition boxes were brought back in the face of heavy shell and rifle fire, and after the greater part of the firing line had retired. Riflemen Kherta Ram and Dhanna Ram had twice previously brought up ammunition to the guns over the same ground, the last one hundred yards being across an open ploughed field. Lance-Naik Guman Singh worked one of the guns throughout the day, and all four men were rewarded with the Indian Order for their gallant services. Lance-Naik Guman Singh, Riflemen Kheta Ram, Dhanna Ram And Maula Dad Bringing Back Ammunition Under Heavy Shell And Rifle Fire At Kurna.Click For DetailsDTE0298
On reaching the German trenches, on the occasion of the British attack at Rouges Bancs on May 9th 1915, the bombing party drove the enemy down the trench for about one hundred yards. They ran short of bombs however, and Acting Sergeant Pike of the 1/13th Battalion The London Regiment, called for a volunteer to fetch a fresh supply from the British lines. Three men mounted the parapet together, but they dropped, riddled with machine gun bullets. Undismayed by their fate, acting Sergeant Pike gallantry climbed out of the trench and crossed under heavy shell fire to the British lines, 250 yards away. He returned with two sacks of bombs and grenades, and a promise from an officer of the 2nd Scottish Rifles that a machine gun would be sent to his assistance. For his conspicuous gallantry and ability, Acting Sergeant (now Sergeant) Pike was awarded the D.C.M. Acting Sergeant Pike Fresh Supplies of Bombs Under Heavy Shellfire To A Bombing Party In A Captured German Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0301
During the afternoon of Sunday, May 16th 1915, Sergeant Hayward of the 7th London Regiment, received orders to reinforce a communication trench captured from the Germans near Festubert, earlier in the day. On reaching the trench they proceeded along it for about a mile, and orders were then given to attack a neighbouring farmhouse and occupy an orchard adjoining it. As they emerged from cover the Germans opened fire upon them with machine guns, besides hurling grenades. In spite of the heavy fire, Hayward and his men crossed the orchard until further advance was held up by barbed wire. Taking cover, they held their ground for some time, but were eventually obliged to retire. Hayward showed both coolness and courage in the task of withdrawing his men from a dangerous position, and was rewarded with the D.C.M. Sergeant Hayward Leading His Men Across An Orchard, Near Festubert, To Attack The German Lines.Click For DetailsDTE0306
An attack from Cape Helles, on the shores of the Dardanelles, was begun on August 6th 1915, in support of movements on the Gallipolis Peninsula. When every other man attached to one of the field guns had been killed or wounded during the fighting on May 9th, Bombardier J. L. Nelson, of the 4th Highland (Mountain) Brigade, Royal Garrison Artillery, continued with the greatest courage to work the gun although the enemy were directing a deadly fire on to the British at close range. The services of Bombardier Nelson were of the utmost value at a critical period, and he was most deservedly rewarded with the D.C.M. Bombardier Nelson Working A Field Gun Single Handed And Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0309
Besides assisting wounded men on May 8th 1915, out of a trench at Hooge, which was in the hands of the enemy, Private E. J. Bushby of Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, gallantly attempted to rescue a comrade who had been half buried in the trench. While digging the man out, Bushby held at Bay two Germans who were attempting to bayonet him. He also made two journeys to the reserves under heavy fire to bring up ammunition, and was awarded the D.C.M. for his conspicuous gallantry. Private Bushby Holding At Bay Two Germans who attempted to Bayonet Him as He Was Digging Out A Comrade.Click For DetailsDTE0310
On October 31st 1914, the day of the great German onslaught in the first battle of Ypres, Lieutenant James Anson Otho Brooke, of the 2nd Battalion The Gordon Highlanders, was sent across with a message from the right flank to the centre of the defence. He arrived just as the British were once more being driven back by the sheer weight of overwhelming numbers. Seeing that a general counter attack could not be organised to prevent the Germans breaking through, he gathered a handful of men, consisting of servants, coks and orderlies, from the rear: and amidst a storm of bullets from rifles and machine guns, dashed forward and recaptured a lost British trench. He and nearly all his men were killed, but for his most gallant conduct Lieutenant Brooke was awarded the V.C. Lieutenant Brooke Leading An Attack Under Rifle And Machine Gun Fire To Recapture A Lost British Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0314
As Sergeant E. Chappell, of the 7th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was working a machine gun during the desperate fighting at Hooge on July 30th 1915, a shell burst on the gun emplacement, completely wrecking it. He thereupon placed on the wreckage of the emplacement and continued firing, but as the tripod of the machine gun was exposed, that in turn was smashed. Lastly, Chappell placed the gun on the parados and worked it till it was put out of action. He then directed the fire of the other machine guns, besides working one himself. Throughout the day he showed great bravery and resource, for which he was awarded the D.C.M. Lieutenant Brooke Leading An Attack Under Rifle And Machine Gun Fire To Recapture A Lost British Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0317
On September 25th 1915, four attacks, which were secondary to the main British attack in the south, were undertaken between the south of the Ypres salient and the La Passee Caral. The main British attack was, in a sense, made in support of the great French effort in the south. In the early hours of the morning, great masses of British troops were to be seen moving through the communication trenches, which led to the first line. At Festuber a shell burst in the trench, which were very crowded at the time, and set fire to a large bomb store. Private A. Callf, of the 9th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, at once pulled out a box of small arms ammunition, which was burning, and carried it from the trench. Private Callf Pulling A Box Ammunition Out Of A Bomb Store Set Alight By The Bursting Of A Shell.Click For DetailsDTE0321
The defence of the Nimy Bridge at Mons on August 23rd 1914 was one of the gallant episodes of the first days of the war. From eight oclock in the morning, when the Germans launched the first infantry attack, a single company under Captain Ashburner held the bridge until the order to retire was given late in the day. Time after time the Germans advanced in great rushes in an endeavour to clear the bridge, and four battalions were opposed to the British Company without success. Lieutenant Maurice James Dease, of the 4th Battalion The Royal Fusiliers, whose most gallant services were rewarded with the V.C., was wounded no less than five times, but he continued firing his machine gun throughout the day. At the retirement Lieutenant Steele carried him across the open to a place of safety where he died. The German attack on the Nimy Bridge At Mons.Click For DetailsDTE0322
While Captain Ashburner and his company were engaged in a struggle against overwhelming odds at the Nimy Bridge, Captain Byng and his men were fighting with equal valour to hold the Ghlin Bridge. The pressure was tremendous and the Germans made considerable progress, but they could not gain the bridge. Private Sidney Frank Godley, of the 4th Battalion The Royal Fusiliers, who though wounded, remained working his machine gun for two hours, inflicted great losses on the enemy. He was rewarded with the V.C. for his great gallantry. Private Godley Working A Machine Gun In Defence Of The Ghlin Bridge At Mons.Click For DetailsDTE0325
The Allies made a third great attempt to capture the heights of Achi Baba and Krithia on June 4th 1915, and after a hard struggle an advance was made of abut five hundred yards on a front of three miles, and two lines of Turkish trenches were occupied. On June 5th the Turks made a furious assault on the British, and a detachment of a battalion, whose officers had fallen, broke for a moment and began to retire. Realizing the danger to the rest of the line, Second-Lieutenant George Raymond Dallas-Moor, of the 3rd Battalion The Hampshire Regiment, who was about two hundred yards away on the left, dashed back and rallied the men. He then led them forward and recaptured the lost trench. Lieutenant Dallas-Moor only joined the army in October of 1914, but his bravery and presence of mind on this occasion saved a dangerous situation. He was awarded the V.C. Second Lieutenant Dallas-Moor Rallies A Detachment Which Had Momentarily Broken Before A Furious Turkish Assault.Click For DetailsDTE0326
During the second battle of Ypres, Corporal Sam Schultz, of the 10th Canadian Battalion, was in charge of about ten other medical orderlies and fatigue men at a dressing station near Wieltje. On the night of April 24th 1915, the house, which was close behind the British lines, and hardly more than a hundred yards from the German trenches, was practically destroyed by shellfire, and Schultz and his party were obliged to perform their duties in extreme peril. Throughout the night, however, Schultz remained at his post and did not withdraw until the following afternoon, when all the wounded had been removed. He was rewarded with the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Corporal Schultz Dressing Wounded Under Heavy fire During The Second Battle of Ypres.Click For DetailsDTE0329
All through the thick of the fighting on September 14th 1914, Captain William Henry Johnstone, of the Royal Engineers, guided a couple of rafts to and fro across the Aisne under heavy fire. Returning from one side with the wounded he carried back to the other supplies of ammunition. It was of the utmost importance to maintain communications between either bank of the river, and for his gallant work, carried out a great personal risk, Captain Johnstone was awarded the V.C. Captain Johnstone Guiding A Couple Of Rafts Filled With Wounded Across The Aisne At Missy Under Heavy fire.Click For DetailsDTE0330
During the operations against the Aubers Ridge on May 9th 1915, Sergeant R. Wilkie, of the 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders, gallantly led his section on to the top of the German parapet at Rue du Bois. He did not retire from this dangerous position until the order to do so was received from an officer, when the attack was withdrawn. But he then brought his men back in good order, and was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. for his great gallantry and ability. Sergeant Wilkie Leads His Men On To The Top Of A German Parapet.Click For DetailsDTE0333
At 6.10 a.m. on April 25th 1915, the River Clyde struck V Beach, and the hopper went ahead and grounded on the port bow, in the charge of Midshipman Drewry. In the midst of very dangerous firing from the opposite shore, Drewry jumped over the bow and waded towards the beach. Meeting a soldier wounded in the water, he tried to carry him ashore with the assistance of another soldier, but the man was shot in the arms of the rescuers. Drewry then ran along the bridge, but seeing Commander Unwin and Able seaman Williams towing the lighters he waded out and assisted them in securing the boats under heavy rifle and maxim fire. He was wounded in the head, but continued his work and twice subsequently attempted to swim from lighter to lighter with a line. He was awarded the V.C. The Famous Landing From The River Clyde At V Beach.Click For DetailsDTE0334
Lieutenant Morse and Midshipman Drewry were on board the barge, which lay nearest to the shore when a shot severed the rope by which the barges were lashed, again setting them adrift. Midshipman Drewry was hit in the head by a fragment of shell, but hastily binding his wound he jumped overboard with a fresh line. For the second time the rope proved too short, whereupon Midshipman Wilfred Malleson threw himself over the side and made fast the drifting barges. Once more the line was broken, and though Malleson made two further gallant efforts to carry a rope he was unsuccessful. He was however, rewarded with the V.C. for his great gallantry. Midshipman Malleson Jumping With a Line From A Barge to Link up Another Barge Which Was Drifting.Click For DetailsDTE0337
During a mounted infantry engagement near Maktau in East Africa, on September 3rd 1915, the enemy pressed forward to within a few yards of the British force, and it became impossible to get the more severely wounded men away. Temporary Lieutenant Wilbur Dartnell, of the late 25th (Service) Battalion (Frontiersmen) The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), who was himself being carried away wounded in the leg, seeing what was happening and knowing that the enemys black troops would murder the wounded, insisted on being left behind in the hope of saving the lives of the other wounded men. His gallant attempt to save others, however, resulted in his losing his life. For his most conspicuous bravery a posthumous award of the V.C. was made.  Temporary Lieutenant Wilbur Dartnell Sacrifices His Life In Staying With His Wounded Men.Click For DetailsDTE0338
A reconnaissance by a force of one hundred of the 120th Rajputana Infantry, under Captain Mainwaring White, at Kurna on January 7th 1915, developed into a skirmish with a large body of Arabs, who attempted to cut off a portion of the party. This movement compelled the force to withdraw across a deep creek under difficult circumstances. As the last few men were swimming across the creek, one of them appeared to be in difficulties. Turning back, Sepoy Hukam Singh brought the drowning man across under fire from the enemy, who were only four hundred yards distant. For his most conspicuous gallantry Sepoy Hukam Singh was awarded the Indian Order of Merit. Sepoy Hukam Singh Swimming Across A Creek Under The Enemys Fire To Rescue A Drowning Comrade.Click For DetailsDTE0341
Following their great attack of October 31st 1914, the Germans made yet another supreme effort on November 11th to break through the British lines in front of Ypres. For the final stroke the 1st and 4th Brigade of the Prussian Guard were brought up from the Arras district, and launched against the point of the British salient on the Menin road. On the following day Sergeant A. Harvey, of the 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment, collected sixteen wounded men by himself and placed them in an ambulance wagon on the Menin road under continuous shrapnel fire. For his conspicuously gallant conduct he was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant Harvey Collecting The Wounded And Placing Them in an Ambulance Wagon Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0342
During the British advance at Festubert on May 16th 1915, one of the men fell into a watercourse and the nature of its banks prevented him from getting out by him. Private A. E. Day of the 7th London Regiment, at once went to help of his comrade and, after helping him out, brought him into safety under heavy shellfire. For his gallant conduct Day was awarded the D.C.M. Private Day Helping A Comrade Out Of A Watercourse At Festubert Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0346
In the afternoon of August 26th 1914, Von Kluck began to use the superior numbers of his army in a great enveloping on both British at Le Cateau. Some of the German batteries took up positions from which they were able to enfilade the British line, and so at about 3.30p.m. the order was given to commence a retirement. This movement was covered with great courage by the artillery, who at this stage of the battle suffered their heaviest losses. Under very heavy fire Lance Corporal Frederick William Holmes, of the 2nd Battalion The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, carried a wounded man from the hastily dug trenches, and later mounted one of the leading horses of a gun team, when the driver had been wounded, to assist in driving a gun out of action, Lance Corporal Holmes showed the highest gallantry and was awarded the V.C. Lance Corporal Holmes Takes The Place Of A Wounded Driver And Assists In Driving A Gun Out Of Action Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0349
While on patrol duty in front of the British lines at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on the night of November 9th 1915. Private James Lavin of the 15th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers saw a Turkish bomber creep into a British sap. Lavin at once crawled from the tree behind which he was taking cover to the sap. As he entered he heard the Turk loading his rifle, and while advancing, Lavin accidentally kicked over an empty tin. The Turk instantly turned and fired point blank at him, but fortunately missed the mark. Throwing down his rifle, Lavin grappled with his enemy, and having wrenched the rifle out of his hands, he drove the Turks at the point of the bayonet towards the British lines. His cool and courageous conduct was rewarded with the D.C.M. Private Lavin Grappling With A Turkish Bomber In A British Sap At Suvla Bay, Gallipoli.Click For DetailsDTE0350
On December 12th 1914, Lance Naik Biaz Gul get out of his trench and crossed the open ground to a wounded man lying thirty yards from the enemys trenches. A heavy fire was opened on him as he carried the man back over a distance of one hundred yards. But he safely reached the British trenches, and was subsequently awarded the Indian Order of Merit for his conspicuous gallantry. Lance-Naik Biaz Gul Bringing In A Wounded Man To The British Trenches Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0353
Seeing an officer, Captain Shenston of the 1/7th Essex Regiment, lying wounded about seventy yards from the British trenches at Suvla Bay on August 14th 1915, Lieutenant C. A. Phillips, who was in charge of a machine gun section of the 1/4th Welsh Regiment, and Staff-Sergeant Grundy ran out a great risk to themselves to assist the wounded officer. They had brought him safely into the British lines when they noticed a wounded comrade, who lay not far from the trenches, appealing for water. They went out again twice, and each time returned with the wounded unscathed to the trenches. Lieutenant Phillips was rewarded by promotion on the field to captain, and subsequently with the M.C. Staff-Sergeant Grundy was rewarded with the D.C.M. Lieutenant Philips Rushing Out Under Heavy Fire from The British Trenches At Suvla Bay To Rescue A Wounded Officer.Click For DetailsDTE0354
At Chavanne on September 28th 1914, during the last days of the battle of the Aisme, three men were sent out to reconnoitre in a thick mist. The German lines were very close, and the mist suddenly lifted. Two of the men were instantly shot, but the third got back to the British lines with only a graze. To leave the two men in the open meant fourteen hours exposure, and Lance-Corporal Frederick William Dobson, of the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, therefore volunteered to try and bring them in immediately. He crawled out and found that one of the men was dead, while the other was wounded in three places. Having applied dressing he crawled back, and a few minutes later came out with Corporal Brown, the two men dragging between them a stretcher. The wounded man was placed on it, and then dragged back into safety. Not one of them was hit, and corporal Brown was awarded the D.C.M. and Lance-corporal Dobson the V.C. form most conspicuous gallantry. Corporal Brown And Lance-Corporal Dobson Dragging A Wounded Man Across The Open To The British Lines Under Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0357
On the night of December 15th 1915, a British bombing party carried out an attack against the German trenches at Armentieres. After bombing into the trench Sergeant J. W. Coxon of the 8th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, was attacked by three Germans. He shot two of them and took the third prisoner. He set a fine example to his men and was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry. Sergeant Coxon Shoots Two Of A Party Of Three Germans Who Had Attacked Him During An Attack On Their Trenches.Click For DetailsDTE0358
During the night of May 1st 1915, the Turks in one great onslaught rushed the first and second line trenches of the Allies in an effort to drive them from the Gallipoli Peninsula. At a forward observation point in the front-line trench at Stone Ridge, Krithis, Corporal Allpress of the Royal horse Artillery, was acting as observer whilst a comrade telephoned his observations to the battery. They shot dead with their revolvers three of the enemy who attempted to cross where they were stationed, but soon afterwards the comrade of Allpress was killed. Allpress however, continued to do the doubt duty of observer and operator till a successful counter-attack was made in the following night. For his great courage and devotion to duty Corporal Allpress was awarded the D.C.M. Corporal Allpress Telephoning Observations To His Battery Though Alone And Surrounded By The Enemys.Click For DetailsDTE0361
On hearing that a number of the enemy were working close to the British lines. Temporary Second-Lieutenant Frank Moxon Stout, attached to the 20th Hussars, took Corporal G. Tester, of the same regiment, and a light machine gun to a saphead. Then having mounted the machine gun, the corporal stood on the lieutenants back and opened fire on the enemy, who were thirty or forty yards away. He fired 150 rounds while exposed to a heavy return fire, and then got down to allow Second-Lieutenant Stout to mount on his back and open fire in turn. Next morning fourteen of the enemys dead were counted. For his conspicuous gallantry and resource Second-Lieutenant Stout was awarded the M.C., and Corporal Tester was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry and good work. Temporary Second-Lieutenant Stout Firing A Machine Gun While Standing On Corporal Testers Back.Click For DetailsDTE0366
While a West gun was in action in one of the British trenches a German grenade dropped on the parapet in dangerous proximity to two men. Seeing that they could not possibly get under cover, Temporary Lieutenant Robert Uchtred Eyre Knox, of the 6th Battalion The Suffolk Regiment, rushed forward to pick up the grenade and throw it over the parapet. June as he reached it, however, it exploded but by an extraordinary chance he was only slightly wounded. He had previously undertaken tasks requiring coolness and daring, and on this occasion he showed great bravery. He was awarded the D.S.O. A Grenade Exploding Which Temporary Lieutenant Knox Was about To Pick Up And Fling Out Of The Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0369
An opening having been driven into a hostile listening tunnel, Captain Charles Stanley Barber, of the 3rd Field Company Australian Engineers, crawled through with a few men on hands and knees. Captain Barber then surprised the Turkish sentry, and by barricading a large portion of the tunnel, considerably strengthened the advanced post. He was awarded the M.C. for conspicuous gallantry. Captain Barber Surprising a Turkish Sentry in a Hostile Listening Tunnel.Click For DetailsDTE0373
The order to leave their guns and retire to the village came just in time. Battery-Quarter Sergeant Mitchell and his men had crossed the sunken Road in their rear and were descending the slope, when a howitzer shell burst on one of the guns, smashing it to pieces. As the men reached the ammunition wagons a shell struck a house outside which a wagon was standing, bringing part of the building down and burying the wagon and injuring five men. Sergeant Mitchell again showed great gallantry early in April at Petit Post in Flanders, when he dressed the wounded while the wagon line of his battery was being heavily shelled. For his consistent gallantry he was awarded the D.C.M. Battery-Quartermaster-Sergeant Mitchell And His Men Retreating down The Road To Paissy After Being Ordered To Leave Their Guns.Click For DetailsDTE0374
On March 14th 1916, when the Senussi camp had been located at Birazizia, twenty miles south of Sollum, the Duke of Westminster ordered all but two of his armoured motor cars to turn off the Dorna road to the south, and dash forward in line over the two thousand yards separating them from the camp. Acting on a preconcerted plan, the two remaining cars were sent about two miles further along the road before turning south. On seeing the cars thundering toward them, the enemy were thrown into confusion and made hurried preparations for flight. A field gun and two machine guns, however opened fire and continued till the cars were within four hundred yards of them. By then the gunners had either been killed or the guns had been put out of action, and as the cars dashed into the camp, the enemy scattered in every direction. For the dash and skill he showed in the attack the Duke of Westminster was awarded the D.S.O. Armoured Motor cars, under the command of the Duke of Westminster, charging the Bedouin Camp at Birazizia.Click For DetailsDTE0379
On March 17th 1916, information was received that the Senussi at Bir Hakim was holding a number of shipwrecked men, who had been landed on the Cyrenaica Coast of North Africa, as prisoners, seventy miles from Sollum. At 3 a.m. therefore nine of the Duke of Westminsters armoured cars, twenty six other cars, and ten motor ambulances left for Bir Hakim, guided by Captain Royle, of the Egyptian Coasguard Service, and two natives. On their arrival the prisoners were not there, and another forty miles were traversed before the camp was reached. On seeing the cars, the Senussi guards fled, but were pursued and killed, and the prisoners, numbering ninety-one, were rescued and brought back to Sollum. Most of them were survivors from the Tars, which had been sunk by a German submarine. The Germans had handed them over to the Turks and Arabs, who treated them barbarously. The Duke of Westminster and his armoured cars dash to the rescue of shipwrecked crews seized by the Senussi.Click For DetailsDTE0380
On July 19th 1915, the British mined and destroyed a German redoubt at the west end of the Hooge defences, and also captured a small part of the trenches. They were, short of bombs, and in consequence the enemy were able to advance down a communication in an attempt to deliver a counter attack. Perceiving this, Second Lieutenant Rupert Price Hallowes of the 14th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, with utter indifference to danger, got out of his trench and opened fire on the enemy, killing or wounding several of them. For his great bravery on this occasion Second Lieutenant Hallowes was awarded the M.C. Second Lieutenant Hallowes firing at the enemy from the open as they advanced down a communication trench.Click For DetailsDTE0383
For six days Second Lieutenant Hallowes had shown the greatest bravery in the face of danger. Not only did he mount the parapet of his trench under heavy fire, but also carried out more than one reconnaissance of the German position, and when bombs ran short, went back for a fresh supply under very heavy shell fire. His end, which seemed inevitable with so much daring, came on October 1st. Though mortally wounded, he continued to cheer those under his command and to inspire them with courage. He had been awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty after the fighting on September 25th. Second Lieutenant Hallowes encouraging his men, as he lay mortally wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0384
For his conspicuous devotion to duty throughout the campaign, Second Corporal T. A. Daniell of the First Field Squadron Royal Engineers has been awarded the D.C.M. On one occasion a tree fell across a road in the way of some armoured cars, and he at once went out under heavy shellfire to clear it away. Second Corporal Daniell clearing a fallen tree from a road under heavy shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0387
During the retirement of the Turkish forces at Mezera, Mesopotamia, on January 30th 1915, Jemadar Ram Karan, of the 33rd Queen Visitors Own Light Cavalry, led his troop over marshy ground against several groups of the enemys riflemen. The Jemadar and his men were fired on fro both front and flank, but he directed them with much skill under trying circumstances. For his conspicuous conduct, Jemadar Ram Karan was awarded the Indian Order of Merit. Jemadar Ram Karan leading his troop under heavy rifle fire against the enemy who were retiring.Click For DetailsDTE0388
On November 24th 1914, Lieutenant Frank Alexander de Pass of the 34th Prince Albert Victors Own Poona horse, gallantry entered a German sap near Festubert, and succeeded in destroying a traverse while being bombed by the enemy. He subsequently rescued under heavy fire a wounded man who was lying exposed in the open. He lost his life, however, on the same day in a second attempt to capture the sap, which had been reoccupied by the enemy. For his conspicuous bravery. Lieutenant de Pass was awarded the V.C. Lieutenant De Pass bombing the enemy after entering one of their Saps.Click For DetailsDTE0399
On Octber 8th 1815, the enemy attacked with great determination along the trenches occupied by the 3rd Battalion Coldstream guards, near Loos, and came pouring into a trench on the left of that occupied by Private Chillingworth and five other men. The situation was most critical. But realising what had happened, Private Chilingsworth and his comrades sprang forward with great gallantry to face the enemy. With bombs they drove at least ten times their number, who stubbornly opposed them, by foot down the trench until they had recaptured the whole of it. For great bravery and resource Chillingworth was awarded the D.C.M. Private Chillingworth assisting in bombing the enemy from a trench, which they had captured.Click For DetailsDTE0400
Close to their front line of trenches, and not far from the Hulluch quarries the British discovered a shaft. On October 16th 1915, a sentry at the shaft reported that he had seen two of the enemy moving along a gallery leading out of it. In company with an officer, Corporal OBrien of the 170th Tunnelling Company Engineers, at once descended the shafts by means of a rope ladder, expecting to find the enemy there. No gallery was however found but for the courage that he had shown Acting Second Corporal OBrien was awarded the D.C.M. Acting Second Corporal OBrien Descending a shaft with an officer to search for the enemy.Click For DetailsDTE0403
While a party of about ten grenadiers were throwing grenades into the enemys trenches by means of a catapult, the strand of the catapult broke and a powerful grenade, the fuse of which was nearly burnt, dropped into the trench. Lance Corporal W. Handley of the 17th Divisional cyclist company, Army Cyclist Corps, who was in charge of the party, rushed forward and hurled the grenade over the parapet. It burst just before reaching the ground. For his conspicuous gallantry Lance Corporal Handley was awarded the D.C.M. Lance Corporal Handley seizing a grenade, the fuse of which was nearly burnt, to hurl it over the parapet.Click For DetailsDTE0404
On the afternoon of April 26th 1915, during the second battle of Ypres, the Northumberland Infantry Brigade advanced against St Julien, and for a time occupied the southern part of the village. The brigade eventually occupied a line a short way to the south, and it was driven back was largely due to the use of poison gas by the Germans. During the attack, Privates C. Martin, and G. Burrell, of the 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (T.F.) carried up a box of ammunition to the firing line, across open ground and under a heavy fire. The two men advanced entirely unsupported and were cheered by their comrades for their bravery. They were both awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry. Privates Martin and Burrell bringing ammunition across open ground under heavy shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0407
In circumstances demanding the greatest courage and coolness, sergeant O Davies and Second Corporal F. G. Perry, of the 1st Wiltshire Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers (T.F.) set to work under heavy shellfire to repair a barrel pier across a canal. They succeeded in repairing it for the passage of the wounded, and were both awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Sergeant Davies and Second Corporal Perry repairing a barrel pier under heavy shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0411
On September 15th 1914, during the battle of the Aisne, Bombardier Ernest George Harlock, of the 113th Battery, Royal field Artillery, was twice wounded while his battery was in action under heavy shellfire near Vendresse. He perished, however, on each occasion in returning to lay his gun after his wound had been dressed. For his conspicuous gallantry, Bombardier, now Sergeant Horlock, was awarded the V.C. Bombardier Horlock laying his gun after having been twice wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0412
On September 9th 1915, just one month after the gallant exploit which gained him the V.C. Captain now Major, Hansen was awarded the M.C. for a most daring reconnaissance along the coast in the neighbourhood of Suvla Bay. Stripping him and carrying only a revolver and a blanket for disguise, he swam through the sea and scrambled over rocks, which severely cut and bruised him. Much valuable information was, however, gained by his reconnaissance and he located a gun that was causing a great deal of damage. Major Hansen reconnoitring the coast near Suvla Bay.Click For DetailsDTE0415
While proceeding along a road a convoy of fourteen wagons was heavily shelled, some men being wounded and several horses killed and badly injured. Sergeant G Bostock, of the 1/2nd North Midland Brigade Ammunition Column, royal Field Artillery was in charge of the convoy, and with conspicuous coolness he at once attended to the wounded and extricated the injured horses Later he brought the convoy back in good order, and it was due to his fine example that a panic was prevented. He was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant Bostock attending to the wounded of a convoy of which he was in charge under heavy fire.Click For DetailsDTE0419
Early on the morning of May 13th 1915, the enemy opened a very fierce and continuous bombardment on an advanced breastwork, south of the Wieltje-St Julien toad, frequently blowing it in. Lance Sergeant Douglas Walter, of the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion. The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) determined that he would remain with a mere handful of men, and endeavour to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn. He and his men stood their ground throughout the day, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150 to 200 yards distant, whenever they were seen massing for an attack. The bold front shown by the British party prevented the enemy from breaking through on the Wieltje Road, besides averting besides averting an attack on the flank of one of the British Divisions. Lance Sergeant Belcher was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry. Lance Sergeant Belcher and his men dispersing the enemy by rapid firing.Click For DetailsDTE0420
On several occasions Driver P Burberry of the Army Service Corps, volunteered to drive convoy wagons through a town under heavy shellfire. He showed great coolness and bravery, and was awarded the D.C.M. Driver Burberry driving wagons through a town under heavy shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0423
The battle which began at Shaibs, turkey in Asia 12th 1915m, had as its ibject the capture of Basra. Though his searchlight was exposed to heavy and continuous rifle fire on the night of April 13th-14th Sapper C. A. Wells of the Searchlight Section royal Engineers (formerly of the Electrical engineer Company, Bombay Volunteer Artillery) continued to work it until it was put our of action. By acting in the same way on the previous night he brought to timely notice many unexpected rushes by the enemy. For his gallant conduct and devotion to duty he was awarded the D.C.M. Sapper Wells working a searchlight under heavy and continuous rifle fire.Click For DetailsDTE0424
When galloping forward to take up a position in close support of infantry, driver A Biddulph of the Base Details, Royal Horse Artillery (formerly T Battery) was wounded, as were also his leading horses. Driver Biddulphs Gun is brought to a momentary standstill.Click For DetailsDTE0435
Having taken out the wounded horses, after he himself had been wounded, Driver Biddulph drove his gun into action and then took away the limber. He was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry. Driver Biddulph driving his gun into action.Click For DetailsDTE0436
For great coolness and bravery displayed by him while under fire since the beginning of the war, Private T. R. Clements, of the Army Service Corps, has gained the D.C.M. On one occasion he made no less than fourteen journeys with signal stores through a town, which was in flames and under heavy shellfire. On two occasions he narrowly escaped with his life, his car being struck by shells, and nearly buried in the debris of falling houses. A motor wagon, which private Clements was driving narrowly escaping being blown to bits.Click For DetailsDTE0439
On July 21st 1915, a Turkish was captured at Gallipoli. To the great encouragement of the men, Piper K. McLennan, of the 1/7th (Blythswood) Battalion, highland Light Infantry, advanced with the attacking line, playing his pipes. During the attack a shrapnel shell burst close to him, shattering his pipes, but with great courage and coolness, he began to tend and dress the wound. His conspicuous gallantry was rewarded with the D.C.M. Piper McLennan advancing in an attack at Gallipoli and playing his pipes to encourage the men.Click For DetailsDTE0447
While on its way to the dressing station, a motor ambulance, which was full of wounded, ran into a shell hole. Private L. A. Adams, of the Army Service Corps, assisted to remove the wounded while under shellfire, and when the car had been hauled out and the wounded replaced, brought them safely to their destination. For his conspicuous bravery he was awarded the D.C.M. Private Adams going to the assistance of the wounded in a motor ambulance which had run into a shell hole while under fire.Click For DetailsDTE0448
Mounting a barricade in a captured German trench at great risks to himself, Private T Brown, of the 3rd Battalion (formerly of the 1st) Gordon Highlanders, began to hurl bombs among the enemy, and continued to do so until they retired. He was wounded, but remained at his post for more than six hours, only retiring when his supply of bombs were exhausted. He was deservedly rewarded with the D.C.M. for his conspicuous gallantry. Private Brown bombing the enemy from the top of a barricade.Click For DetailsDTE0451
During the fierce fighting at Neuve Chapelle on October 27th 1914, the men of the West Kent Regiment were forced to fall back, and in the retirement they abandoned a field gun. Recognising that it might be turned to deadly effect against themselves, Private George Henry Johnson, of the 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, and some of his comrades pluckily ran out to drag it in. They were, however obliged to abandon the attempt and amidst a hail of bullets, they returned to their lines. The enemy were now very near, and there was no cover except from small shrubs just in front of the gun. An idea, however, flashed across Johnsons mind. Rushing back to the gun he removed the sights and breechblock, and hurriedly returned with them across the open ground. For his courageous conduct Johnson was rewarded with the D.C.M. Private Johnson Carrying off the sights and breechblock of a British gun.Click For DetailsDTE0452
While four of the enemy were being marched off after being taken prisoners single-handed by Private R Wilson, of the 2nd Battalion. The Irish Rifles, one of them turned and threw a bomb at him. Three of them dashed off immediately. But having quickly bayoneted one of them, he shot, and took the fourth prisoner again. For his conspicuous gallantry and determination Wilson was awarded the D.C.M. Private Wilson Bayoneting a German, one of four prisoners who attempted to escape from him.Click For DetailsDTE0454
Seeing wounded men lying about one hundred yards in front of the British trenches at Rue du Bois, on June 16th 1915, Lance Corporal Joseph tombs, of the 1st Battalion, The Kings (Liverpool Regiment) crawled out repeatedly under a very heavy shell and machine gun fire to rescue them. He brought back four men. One of them was so severely wounded that unless he had been immediately attended to he must have died. Lance Corporal tombs therefore placed a rifle sling round his own neck and round the mans body, and in this way dragged him back to the trenches. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry. Lance Corporal tombs dragging back a severely wounded man by means of a rifle sling placed round his own neck and the mans body.Click For DetailsDTE0456
While a party of men was at work in a communication trench between Cambrin and La Bassee at 2 a.m. on the morning of August 3rd 1915, a bomb from a German trench mortar landed on the side of the parapet, close to them. Second Lieutenant George Arthur Boyd Rochfort, of the Special Reserve, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, was standing a short way off at the time, and shouting to the men, he rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet, where it instantly exploded. His courage and presence of mind saved the lives of many of the working party, and he was rewarded with the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery. Second Lieutenant Rochfort picks up a bomb, which was about to explode, and hurls it from the trench.Click For DetailsDTE0459
On a countermine being exploded by the enemy, the men at the face of the mine, of which Second Corporal G Smith, of the 176th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, was in charge, were buried. Second Corporal smith was thrown about fifteen feet down the gallery by the explosion, and was badly bruised and shaken. But grasping the situation immediately, he ordered his men out of the gallery, into which gas was leaking. When found by his officers he was propping up a dangerous part of the gallery to ensure the rescue of his men. For his gallant conduct he was awarded the D.C.M. Second Corporal smith propping up part of a mine gallery to ensure the rescue of his comrades.Click For DetailsDTE0460
One pump had already been damaged, and another was in danger from heavy shellfire. But Private J Torrace, of the 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers (attached 9th Brigade Mining Section) remained at the head of a mineshaft, working the remaining air pump throughout the bombardment. If it had not been for his gallant action the mine would probably have run short of air. He was awarded the D.C.M. Private Torrance pumping air into a mine under heavy fire.Click For DetailsDTE0467
Seeing a comrade in danger of serious injury owing to his having fallen from his horse with his foot caught in a stirrup, Regimental Sergeant Major, 21st Lancers, picked him up and placed him on his own horse. He then charged through the enemy who had surrounded him. For his conspicuous gallantry Sergeant Major Ryder was awarded the D.C.M. Regimental Sergeant Major Ryder rescuing a comrade who had fallen from his horse with his foot caught in a stirrup.Click For DetailsDTE0468
As the enemy were shelling a farm, on which the men of a battery of artillery had been billeted, a shell struck a room full of women and children. A child was killed, and nearly everyone else was wounded and panic-stricken. Leaving their dugouts, Gunners Rafferty, Holmes and Pridmore at once rescued the inhabitants of the farm, and carried them to a place of safety. For his conspicuous Gunner J Rafferty of the 112th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery was awarded the D.C.M. Gunner Rafferty carrying a wounded woman to safety from a farmhouse, which was being shelled.Click For DetailsDTE0471
As the Dosrest Yeomanry galloped forward to charge the retreating enemy at Agagia on the afternoon of February 26th 1915, three maxime came into action against them, but the men were splendidly led and faced the fire magnificently. When fifty yards from the enemys position Colonel Souter gave the order to charge. With a yell the Dorset’s hurled themselves upon the enemy, who immediately broke. In the middle of the enemys lines Colonel Souters horse was killed under him, and, by a curious chance, his dying strides brought Colonel Souter to the ground within a few yards of Gaafer Pasha. Colonel Souter was alone except for Lieutenant Blaksley and Private Brown, who had also had their horses shot under them. The arrival of a machine gun section, however, saved the situation. For their gallantry and the distinguished services which they had rendered, Colonel Souter was awarded the D.S.O. Lieutenant Blaksley the M.C. and Private Brown the D.C.M. Colonel Souter heading a charge of the Dorset Yeomanry against Gaafer Pashas defeated army at Agagia.Click For DetailsDTE0475
On October 17th 1915, corporal Harold Ernest Wheeler, of the 2nd Kings Own Scottish Borderers, had just ridden with a patrol, consisting of a Lance Corporal and ten men of the 5th Divisional Cyclist Company, into the village of Lorgies in anticipation that it had been evacuated by the enemy, when, to their surprise, the Germans opened fire in them from some houses. Corporal wheeler thereupon ordered the patrol to retire, but after going a short distance he saw that one of the men had been hit and was lying in the roadway. Going back at great risk to he, dragged the wounded man into the shelter of a ditch by the roadside and the rejoined the rest of the patrol. Corporal wheeler dragging a wounded cyclist scout into the shelter of a ditch under the enemys fire.Click For DetailsDTE0476
Although partially gassed during the first attack near Hulluch on the morning of September 25th 1915, Captain Anketell Moutray Read, of the 1st Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment, went out several times in order to rally p[arties of different units which were disorganised and retiring. He led them back into the firing line, and utterly regardless of danger, moved freely about encouraging them under a withering fire. He was mortally wounded while carrying out this gallant work. He had shown great bravery during digging operations on August 29th, 30th and 31st, and on the night of July 29th-30th he carried out of action an officer, who was mortally wounded, under a hot fire from rifles and grenades. For his most conspicuous bravery Captain Read was awarded the V.C. Captain Read, though partially gassed, rallying his men who were disorganised and retiring.Click For DetailsDTE0483
While the British artillery was shelling the German trenches near the Rue du Bois, in preparation for the advance on Sunday May 9th 1915, Lance Corporal David Finlay, of the 2nd Battalion. The Black Watch, Royal Highlanders, headed a bombing party in a gallant attempt to reach the German trenches under cover of the artillery bombardment. As the party crossed a ditch, fifteen or twenty yards from the British lines, a fierce rifle and machine gun fire broke upon them. Eight of the ten men were put out of action, two of them being shot dead in crossing over the ditch. Undismayed however. Finlay and his two surviving comrades gallantly rushed in. Lance Corporal Finlay leading the survivors of his bombing party towards the German trenches near the Rue Du Bois.Click For DetailsDTE0484
An ambulance car having broken down at the first line of the old enemy trenches. Driver G. E. Caley, of the Army Service Corps (attached Royal Army Medical Corps) assisted in the taking up another car. On arriving he helped to load the wounded on his own car, and then towed the other back to the dressing station. For his conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the D.C.M. Driver Caley towing back, under fire a car, which had broken down.Click For DetailsDTE0487
As the 2nd Munsters fell back from the attack on the enemys trenches, near the Rue du Bois on Sunday May 9th 1915, many fell or wounded, or else wandered helplessly about under the enemys appalling fire. Seeing an officers orderly trying to carry his wounded master, Gannon got out of the trench to go to his assistance. The officer was too heavy to carry, and they were therefore obliged to drag him along the ground. But he was brought safely to the trench under a storm of shrapnel and machine gun and rifle bullets. Gannon had been out twice before, and he went out again to help the wounded. For his most gallant conduct he was rewarded with the D.C.M. and the Order of St George (third Class) was bestowed on him by the Czar of Russia. Sergeant Gannon assisting an officers orderly to bring his wounded master under very heavy fire.Click For DetailsDTE0488
In tending the wounded in the trenches under rifle and shrapnel fire at Hautvesnes on September 19th 1914, and in continuing to do so on September 20th after his thigh and leg had been shattered, Captain Harry Sherwood Ranken, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, showed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty. He was awarded the V.C. but has since died of his wounds. Captain Ranken attending to the wounded after his thigh and leg had been shattered.Click For DetailsDTE0491
On September 27th 1915, the company of which Corporal Alfred Alexander Burt, of the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorial Force) was attached had lined up preparatory to an attack, when a large minenwerfer bomb fell into the trench. Corporal Burt, who well knew the destructive power of this class of bomb, might easily have got under cover behind a traverse. But he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb and threw it over the parapet, thus rendering the bomb harmless. His presence of mind and great pluck saved the lives of others in the traverse. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery. Corporal Burt wrenching out the fuse of a German bomb, which had fallen into his trench.Click For DetailsDTE0499
Private W. B. Harris, of the 29th Canadian Infantry Battalion, was throwing a bomb when his foot slipped, and the grenade fell on the side of a traverse where the rest of a grenade class were standing. They all got away except one man. Private Harris, realising his danger, rushed forward and threw himself on the bomb to save the man. The bomb exploded and Harris was severely wounded through his self-sacrificing act. He was awarded the D.C.M. Private Harris throwing himself on a bomb to save a comrade.Click For DetailsDTE0500
On October 11th 1915, Acting Sergeant John Crawshaw Raynes, of A Battery, the 7th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, went out under an intense fire at Fosse 7 de Bethune to assist Sergeant Ayres, who had been wounded. Having bandaged him, Sergeant Raynes returned to his gun, but shortly afterwards Cease fire was ordered. He thereupon went out with two gunners and carried Sergeant Ayres into a dugout. A gas shell burst at the mouth of the dugout, and Sergeant Raynes ran across the open for his smoke helmet, put it on Sergeant Ayres, and then, though he badly gassed, staggered back to serve his gun. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Acting Sergeant Raynes putting his smoke helmet on Sergeant Ayres following the explosion of a gas shell.Click For DetailsDTE0507
Leaving cover, Sepoy Chatta Singh, of the 9th Bhopal Infantry, went to the assistance of his commanding officer, which was wounded and helpless in the open. He bound up the officers wounds and then dug cover for him with his entrenching tools, being exposed all the time to very heavy rifle fire. For five hours, until nightfall, he remained beside the wounded officer, shielding him with his own body on the exposed side. He then, under cover of darkness, went back for assistance and brought the officer into safety. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Sepoy Chatta Singh digging cover, under fire, for his wounded officer after binding up his wounds.Click For DetailsDTE0511
On working his way out of the debris of a parapet at Fleurbaix in which he had been buried on the afternoon of November 9th 1914, Sergeant Charles Leonard Tuersley, of the 1st Royal Fusiliers, heard a man calling from a trench near by. On running round he found that a section commander, Corporal Tanner, had had half of his leg blown off. Sergeant Tuersley at once applied an improvised tourniquet, but while he was bending over the wounded man a shell burst near by. Two pieces struck the Sergeant in the back, but though bleeding freely he continued to attend to his comrade. He refused to retire for treatment until the wounded Corporal had been removed. For his conspicuous gallantry Sergeant Tuersley was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant Tuersley running to assist a wounded Corporal half of whose leg had been blown off by a shell.Click For DetailsDTE0512
For conspicuous gallantry and coolness on November 5th 1914, at Ypres in extricating the horses after a shell had burst in the stables, Provisional Farrier-Sergeant T Cussens, of the army service corps, was awarded the D.C.M. The shell killed six men and many horses. Provisional Farrier Sergeant Cussens extricating horses from stables in which a shell had burst.Click For DetailsDTE0515
On March 3rd 1915, during the operations on the Persian Gulf, an attempt was made by the British to reconnoitre the Turkish position west of Aswaz, on the Karun River. The enemy was found to be present in overwhelming numbers, a force of 12,000 men being opposed to the small British force of 1,000. The British undertook a retirement, but it was not carried out without heavy fighting. When the sub section of artillery, to which Sergeant G Ayres, of the 82nd Battery, royal Field Artillery, belonged was suffering casualties in men and horses he succeeded in extricating them under very difficult circumstances on several occasions. He was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous ability and gallantry. Sergeant Ayres extricating a sub section of field artillery from a position in which it was suffering severe losses.Click For DetailsDTE0516
On November 19th 1915, Corporal Samuel Meekosha, of the 1/6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment (Territorial force) was with a platoon of about twenty non commissioned officers and men, who were holding an isolated trench near the Yser. During a very heavy bombardment by the been either killed or wounded, Corporal Meekosha at once took command and sent a runner for assistance. No less than ten more big shells fell within twenty yards of him, but with the assistance of Privates Johnson, Sayers and Wilkinson, of the battalion, who most stoutly assisted him throughout, he continued to dig out the buried men in full view of the enemy. At last four men were saved and for his most conspicuous bravery Corporal Meekosha was awarded the V.C. while Privateers Johnson, Sayers and Wilkinson received the D.C.M. Corporal Meekosha, assisted by Privates Johnson, Sayers and Wilkinson, digging out men who had been buried in their trench by shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0519
Following the capture of a Turkish position at Gallipoli on July 21st 1915, ammunition, sandbags and water were urgently needed, and the only means of communications was a shallow sap, unprotected and blocked with dead and wounded. But Privates J Druall and J Smith, of the 1/7th Battalion, Scottish Rifles (T.F.) worked for several hours, exposed to heavy fire, to clear away the wounded, and render effective cover to supplying parties. For their conspicuous gallantry they were both awarded the D.C.M. Privates Druall and Smith clearing away the wounded from a sap which was unprotected and exposed to heavy fire.Click For DetailsDTE0520
When one of his battery wagons had been set on fire by a shell near Croix Barbie, on September 16th 1915, and when both the wagon body and a cartridge were blazing, Major Robinson Warren, of the 73rd Battery, Royal field Artillery, removed the remainder of the ammunition at great personal risk. The enemy at the time were directing a heavy and accurate fire on the battery, and for his conspicuous gallantry Major Warren was awarded the D.S.O. Major Warren removing cartridges from a blazing ammunition wagon at great ersonal risk.Click For DetailsDTE0531
While driving a motor ambulance up to bring in some wounded near Hulluch on September 26th 1915, Private J Holmes of the Army Service Corps (attached to the 23rd Field Ambulance) was fired upon by the enemy. He drove the car in the reverse for four hundred yards, the man beside him having been killed, till a bullet struck the carburettor. He then came up with another car, and safely towed his own away. His car was hit twenty-two times, and but for his great bravery and resource, must have been wrecked. Holmes was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Private Holmes driving a motor ambulance in the reverse for four hundred yards while under fire.Click For DetailsDTE0532
On April 23rd 1915, a wounded man, who was lying some fifteen yards from a British trench in the neighbourhood of Ypres, called for help, and Company Sergeant Major Frederick William Hall, of the 8th Canadian Battalion, endeavoured to reach him in the face of a very heavy enfilade fire which was being poured in by the enemy. The first attempt failed, and a non commissioned officer and private soldier, who were attempting to give assistance, were both wounded. Company Sergeant Major Hall then made a second most gallant attempt, and was in the act of lifting up the wounded man to bring in when he fell mortally wounded in the head. For his most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrificing conduct, Colour Sergeant Hall was awarded the V.C. Colour Sergeant Hall falls mortally wounded in attempting to rescue a wounded comrade.Click For DetailsDTE0535
During the battle of Le Cateau, on August 26th 1914, the 4th Middlesex held the village of Audencourt under a terrific bombardment. Many men were wounded, and they were taken into the village church, which was used as a hospital. The enemys shells, however, set fire to the building, and Private Albert Edward Walker gallantly volunteered to move the wounded and fetch them water. For two hours he continued to perform this heroic work while the enemy kept up a fierce bombardment, frequently hitting the church. Private, subsequently Lance Corporal, Walker was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was, unhappily, killed in the summer of 1915. Private A. E. Walker Assisting A Wounded Comrade From A Burning Church, Which Was Being Used As A Hospital.Click For DetailsDTE0698
A bombing party attempted to rush across the ground between the British and enemy trenches, but in doing so the officer, Lieutenant Craig, and the majority of his men were killed or wounded. Lieutenant Craig was unable to move, and in full daylight Private William Faulds, of the South African Infantry, and two others, climbed over the parapet, ran out, picked up the officer and carried him back, one man being severely wounded in doing so. Two days later Faulds again showed most conspicuous bravery in going out alone to bring in a wounded man. He was deservedly awarded the V.C. Private W. F. Faulds Carries Back A Wounded Officer, Lieutenant Craig, To His Trench Across Open Ground Between The British And German Lines.Click For DetailsDTE0702
Seeing a party of the enemy endeavouring to escape along a communication trench at Neuve Chapelle in March 12th 1915. Lance-Corporal Wilfred Dolby Fuller, of the1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, ran towards them and killed the leading man with a bomb; the remainder, who numbered nearly fifty, on finding no means of evading his bombs, surrendered to him. Lance-Corporal Fuller was quite alone at the time, and for the most conspicuous bravery displayed by him he was awarded the V.C. Lance-Corporal W. D. Fuller Kills With A Bomb The Leader Of A Party Of Germans Who Were Endeavouring To Escape.Click For DetailsDTE0705
On August 23rd 1914, Private S. Heron, of the 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, rendered great assistance to the Royal Engineers who were preparing to destroy the canal bridge at Jemappes, whilst under heavy fire. For his conspicuous courage and coolness he was awarded the D.C.M. Private S. Heron Assisting The Royal Engineers to Destroy The Canal Bridge At Jemappes.Click For DetailsDTE0706
The Rev. William Robert Fountaine Addison, temporary Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, Army Chaplain Department, carried a wounded man to the cover of a trench, and assisted several others to the same cover, after binding up their wounds under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. In addition to these unaided efforts, by his splendid example and utter disregard to personal danger he encountered the stretcher-bearers to go forward under heavy fire and collect the wounded. He was deservedly rewarded with the V.C. The Rev. W. R. F. Addison Carries A Wounded Man To The Cover Of A Trench Under Heavy Rifle And Machine Gun Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0709
After a Lewis gun had been disabled, Private Cooke, of the Australian Infantry, was ordered to take his gun and gun team to a dangerous part of the line. Here he did fine work, but came under very heavy fire, with the result that finally he was the only man left. He still stuck to his post, and continued to fire his gun, but when assistance was sent he was found dead. He had set a splendid example of determination and devotion to duty, for which he was posthumously, awarded the V.C. Private Cooke Continues To Fire His Machine Gun After Every Member Of The Gun Team Had Been Killed Or Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0710
When Private J. Regan, of the Machine gun Corps, was with another gunner at an advanced gun post, the enemy managed to work down communication trench, and throw a bomb, which killed the gunner before the gun could be mounted. Private Regan at once attacked the party with his revolver, drove him back, and saved the gun. For this act of conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the D.C.M. Private J. Regan Attacks A Party Of Germans With His revolver, Drives Them Back, And Saves A Machine Gun.Click For DetailsDTE0713
At Neuve Chapelle on March 12th 1915, the enemy captured a part of one of the British trenches. A counter attack, made with one officer and twenty men, failed, and all but two of the party were killed or wounded in the attempt. Thereupon Captain Charles Cavbeley Foss, D.S.O, of the 2nd Battalion. The Bedfordshire Regiment, on his own initiative, dashed forward with eight men under heavy fire, attacked the enemy with bombs, and recaptured the position, including the fifty-two Germans occupying it. The recapture of this position was of the greatest importance, and the utmost bravery was displayed in undertaking the task with so few men. For his most conspicuous bravery Captain Foss was awarded the V.C. Captain C. C. Foss, D.S.O, And A Bombing Party of Eight Recapturing A British Position And Fifty-Two Germans.Click For DetailsDTE0718
At Festubert on November 23rd and 24th 1914, Lance-Naik Said Akbar, Havildar Yakub Khan and Sepoy Daulat Khan, of the 57th Wildes Rifles (Frontier Force), accompanied Captain Acworth along the enemy trenches, throwing bombs over the traverses as they proceeded, and thus forcing them to evacuate. For their conspicuous gallantry they were awarded the Indian Order of Merit. Lance-Naik Said Akbar, Havildar Yakub Khan Sepoy Daulat Khan, with Captain Acworth, Bombing The Enemy As They Proceeded Along their Trenches.Click For DetailsDTE0721
During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by a hostile machine gun. Temporary Second Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, late of the Yorkshire Regiment, immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corporal Colwill and Private Batey, rushed across the open, under very heavy fire, and attacked the machine gun, shooting the gunner with his revolver, and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this gallant officer lost his life performing a very similar act of bravery. A posthumous award of the V.C. was made. Temporary Second Lieutenant D. S. Bell Dashes Across The Open, Under Very Heavy fire, To Attack A Machine Gun Party.Click For DetailsDTE0722
Naik Shahamad Khan, of the Punjabis, was in charge of a machine gun section in an exposed position, within 150 yards of the enemys trenches. Here he worked his own gun single-handed after all his men, except two belt fillers, had become casualties. For three hours he held the gap under very heavy fire, and when his gun was knocked out, he and his two belt-fillers held their ground with rifles till ordered to withdraw. With three men, he then brought back his gun, ammunition, and one severely wounded man. Finally, he himself returned and removed all remaining arms and equipment. But for his great determination, for which he was most deservedly awarded the V.C., the enemy must have penetrated the British line. Naik Shahamad Khan, With Two Others, Holding His Ground After His Machine Gun Had Been Knocked Out By Shellfire.Click For DetailsDTE0727
During the battle of Le Cateau, on August 26th 1914, Major Charles Allix Lavington Yate, of the 2nd Battalion, The Kings Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry), commanded one of the two companies hat remained to the end in the trenches at Le Cateau, and when all other officers were killed or wounded, and ammunition exhausted, led his nineteen survivors against the enemy in a charge in which he was severely wounded. He was picked up by the enemy and subsequently died as a prisoner of war. For his great gallantry he was awarded the V.C. Major C. A. L. Yate Leading The Nineteen Survivors Of His Company In A Charge At The Battle Of Le Cateau.Click For DetailsDTE0730
Prior to an attack on the enemy in a wood Corporal Joseph Davies, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, became separated with eight men from his company. When the enemy delivered their second counter attack his party was completely surrounded, but he got them into a shell hole, and, by throwing bombs and opening rapid fire, succeeded in routing them. Not content with this, he followed them up in their retreat and bayoneted several of them. For this act of most conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the V.C. Corporal J. Davies And Eight Men Routing With The Bayonet A Party Of Germans Who Had Previously Surrounded Them.Click For DetailsDTE0733
When Private T. Doswell, of the 3rd battalion, Liverpool Regiment (attached 1st Battalion), was on duty outside a mine, near Cuinchy, on November 3rd 1915, an officer who was gassed came out of the mine, and said that another officer was lying unconscious inside. Private Doswell immediately went down the mine, followed by another man, who however, turned back at the bottom of the ladder. Private Doswell went on about twenty yards to where he found the officer lying unconscious. Unaided, he dragged him back to the foot of the ladder and helped to carry him up. Afterwards he reported himself suffering from gas poisoning. For his great courage and resource Doswell was awarded the D.C.M. Private T. Doswell Rescuing An Officer From A Mine In Which He Lay Unconscious.Click For DetailsDTE0734
After the enemy had exploded a mine, Lance-Sergeant F. L. Hastings, of the Royal Fusiliers, rushed off with two men, through a heavy barrage of shrapnel, telling the rest of his party to follow as quickly as possible. On reaching the lip of the crafter he met seven of the enemy creeping round to seize the lip. He attacked them and bombed them off. For his conspicuous gallantry he was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. Lance-Sergeant F. L. Hastings Bombing Seven Of The Enemy Who Were Attempting To Seize The Lip Of A Mine Crater.Click For DetailsDTE0738
When a company attempted to climb over the parapet to attack the enemys trenches they were met by very fierce machine gun fire, which temporarily stopped their progress. Temporary Major Stewart Loudoun-Shand, late of the Yorkshire Regiment, immediately leapt on the parapet, helped the men over it, and encouraged them in every way until he fell mortally wounded. Even then he insisted on being propped up in the trench, and went on encouraging the non-commissioned officers and men until he died. For his most conspicuous bravery a posthumous award of the V.C. was made. Temporary Major S. W. Loudoun-Shand Helping Men Over The Parapet While Exposed To Very Fierce Machine Gun Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0741
During a heavy bombardment by high explosive and gas shells on December 29th 1915, Private J. S. Kerr, of the Royal Army Medical Corps (attached 7th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery), left his dug out, near Ypres, and passed through a dense cloud of gas over 200 yards to a farm in which another battery was billeted. Here he rendered first aid to several wounded men. The farm was being heavily shelled at the time, but though wounded himself, he continued his work among the other wounded. He was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Private J. S. Kerr Rendering First Aid To The Wounded At A Farm, Which Was Being Heavily Shelled.Click For DetailsDTE0747
On the afternoon of November 4th 1914, during the first battle of Ypres, the German artillery got the range of the 1st Corpse Headquarters, and several men were killed or wounded. On receiving orders the survivors left the house, but it was then discovered that important documents had been left behind. Private John little, of the 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, gallantly returned and, while the house was being rapidly levelled by the enemys shellfire, collected the papers and carried them to safety. For his gallantry and devotion to duty he was awarded the D.C.M. He has since been awarded the Russian Order of St. George (3rd Class) Private J. Little Collecting Important Documents From A house Which Was Being Heavily Shelled.Click For DetailsDTE0748
Not content with bombing hostile dug outs during a heavy engagement, Lieutenant John Vincent Holland, of the Leinster Regiment, fearlessly led his bombers through the British artillery barrage and cleared a greater part of the village in front. He started out with twenty-six bombers and finished up with only five, after capturing some fifty prisoners. By this very gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy and thus saved many casualties. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C. Lieutenant J. V. Holland Leading His Bombers Through A Village Held By The Enemy, After Driving Them From Their Dug Outs.Click For DetailsDTE0751
Section by section the trench was recaptured, and driven back until they could go no further, the Germans decided to surrender. Lieutenant Leach (2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment) was surprised to hear a voice calling in English Dont shoot sir! The speaker was one of his own men who had been captured in the morning. He had come from a German officer to say he wished to surrender. On going round the corner of the traverse Lieutenant Leach came upon the officer and fourteen of his men, who kneeling, raised their hands and begged for mercy. For their conspicuous bravery Lieutenant Leach and Sergeant Hogan were both deservedly awarded the V.C. A German Officer And Fourteen Of His Men Cry For Mercy To Lieutenant Leach.Click For DetailsDTE0755
After an advance into the enemys lines, Corporal George Sanders, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, found himself isolated with a party of thirty men. But he organized his defences, and detailed a bombing party. Next morning his party drove off an attack by the enemy and rescued some prisoners who had fallen into their hands. Later two strong bombing attacks were beaten off. The following day he was relieved, after showing the greatest courage, determination and good leadership. For thirty-six hours his party was without food and water, having given all their water to the wounded during the first night. Corporal Sanders was deservedly awarded the V.C. Corporal G. Sanders And His Party Driving Off A German Attack And Rescuing Some Prisoners.Click For DetailsDTE0756
Finding a British Officer of another regiment lying close to the enemy, Lance-Naik Lala, of the 41st Dogras Indian Army, dragged him into a temporary shelter. After bandaging his wounds he heard calls from the adjutant of his own regiment, who was lying in the open severely wounded. The enemy were not more than a hundred yards distant, but Lance-Naik Lala insisted on going out to his adjutant. He stripped off his own clothing to keep the wounded officer warmer and stayed with him until just before dark. After dark he carried the first wounded officer back to the main trenches, and then, returning with a stretcher, he carried back his adjutant. He set a magnificent example of courage and devotion to his officers, and was deservedly awarded the V.C. Lance-Naik Lala Drags A Wounded Officer, Whom He Found Lying Close To The Enemy, To A Shelter And There Bandages His Wounds.Click For DetailsDTE0759
From early in the evening till midnight Temporary Lieutenant Geoffrey St. George Shillington Cather, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, searched No mans land and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later. Finally at 10.30 a.m. he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice, and was posthumously awarded the V.C. Temporary Lieutenant G. ST. G. S. Cather Bringing In A Wounded Man In Full View Of The Enemy And Under Machine Gun And Artillery Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0764
During heavy fighting at St. Eloi on March 27th 1916, and the two following days the Rev. Edward Noel Mellish journeyed under continuous and heavy fire, between the original British trenches and those captured, in order to tend and rescue wounded men. He brought in ten on the first day from ground swept by machine gun fire, and three were actually killed while he was dressing their wounds. His battalion was relieved on the second day, but he went back and brought in twelve more men. On the night of the third day he took charge of some volunteers and returned to the trenches to rescue the remaining wounded. This splendid work, for which he was awarded the V.C., was quite voluntary on his part and outside the scope of his ordinary duties. The Rev E. N. Mellish Walking Across Ground, Which Was Being Swept By Machine Gun Fire, To Tend The Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0767
A German shell having exploded some ammunition which was being unloaded, causing several casualties, Captain William Barnsley Allen, M.C., M.B., of the royal Army Medical Corps, with utter disregard of danger, ran across the open, under heavy shellfire, and commenced dressing the wounded, thereby saving many men from bleeding to death. He was himself hit four times by pieces of shell, one of which fractured two of his ribs, but he coolly went on with his work until the last men were dressed and safely removed. For his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty then was awarded the V.C. Captain W. B. Allen Assisting Men Wounded By The Explosion Of Ammunition, after being himself wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0768
Second Lieutenant Harry Cecil Frank Dreader, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, fought his tank with great gallantry, putting enemy infantry to flight and silencing a machine gun. Later, he carried ammunition to the front line under heavy fire. He was awarded the M.C. for his conspicuous gallantry. Second Lieutenant H. C. F. Draders Tank Putting Enemy Infantry To Flight And Silencing A Machine Gun.Click For DetailsDTE0771
A company was held up by heavy rifle fire, all its officers had become casualties, and for want of leadership the attack feared. Realising the situation, Private Robert Ryder, of the Middlesex Regiment, without a moment’s thought for his own safety, dashed absolutely alone at the enemy trench and, by skilful manipulation of his Lewis gun, succeeded in clearing the trench. This very gallant act, for which Ryder was awarded the V.C., not only made possible, but also greatly inspired, the subsequent advance of his comrades, and turned possible failure into success. Private R. Ryder Dashes Unsupported At An Enemy Trench And Clears It With A Lewis Gun.Click For DetailsDTE0772
Corporal W. R. Van Blommestein, of the South African Horse, dismounted and carried a wounded comrade to a place of safety under fire, and at great personal risk. For the conspicuous gallantry displayed by him he was awarded the D.C.M. Corporal W. R. Van Blommesten Carries A Wounded Comrade To Safety While Under Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0774
During an attack on the enemys position, Private James Hutchinson, of the Lancashire Fusiliers (of Bury), was the leading man, and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses. After the British object had been gained and retirement ordered, Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement, and he did this with such gallantry and determination that the wounded were removed safely. During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce fire from machine guns and rifles at close quarters. For his most conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the V.C. Private J. Hutchinson Shooting Two German Sentries When Leading An Attack On A German Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0776
Having first dismounted and rescued a comrade, by shooting a tribesman, Saddler Staff Sergeant W. A. Simpson, of the 21st Lancers, then rushed to the assistance of a mortally wounded officer of his regiment, holding back the enemy with his revolver. Before others of his regiment could, however reach him, Sergeant Simpson was hit in the shoulder and badly hacked about by swordsmen. For his conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the D.C.M. Saddler Staff Sergeant Simpson Protecting A Mortally Wounded Officer From The Attacks Of Tribesmen.Click For DetailsDTE0783
Private Thomas Alfred Jones, of the Cheshire Regiment, was with his company consolidating the defences, and, noticing an enemy sniper at 200 yards distance, he went out, and returned the snipers fire and killed him. He then saw two more of the enemy firing at him, although displaying a white flag. Both of them he also shot. On reaching the enemy trench he found several occupied dug outs, and single-handed disarmed 102 of the enemy, including three or four officers, and marched them back to the British lines though a heavy barrage. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery. Private T. A. Jones Attacks And Disarms Singlehanded 102 Of The Enemy And Then Marches Them To The British Lines.Click For DetailsDTE0784
A portion of a village had to be captured, and under heavy fire Temporary Second Lieutenant Tom Edwin Adlam, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, rushed from shell hole collecting men and also enemy grenades for a sudden rush. At this stage he was wounded in the leg, but in spite of his wounds led a dashing attack, captured the position, and killed the occupants. Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day, when again wounded and unable to throw bombs, he continued to lead his men. His magnificent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results. He was deservedly awarded the V.C. Temporary Second Lieutenant T. E. Adlam, Though Wounded Leads His Men In A Dashing Attack, Capturing A German Position And Killing The Defenders.Click For DetailsDTE0787
When a heavy shell blew from the saddle and wounded his horse, Corporal F. W. Accleton, of the Royal Field Artillery, held on to his horse, assisted the team, and brought the gun into action. For his conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the D.C.M. Corporal F. W. Accelton Steadies The Horses To His Gun Carriage, And Brings The Gun Into Action.Click For DetailsDTE0788
When on November 11th 1914, during the first battle of Ypres, the Prussian Guard carried the first line trenches of the British at three points, the Battalion Headquarters Staff of the British suddenly found themselves between their retreating comrades and the enemy. The colonel and adjutant, with the advice of Corporal Robert Redpath, of the 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders (The Black Watch) who was attached with twenty men to Headquarters, decided to order rapid firing so as to disguise the weakness of their numbers and thus check the enemys advance. Redpath and his men therefore left their dugouts and, taking cover behind some farm buildings, opened fire on the enemy. When fifty yards off the enemy halted, but several of their snipers crept forward. With great courage Corporal Redpath came out into the open and shot dead two of the enemy who were only twenty yards away. For the gallantry and ability, which he had shown on this and a previous occasion, Corporal Redpath was awarded the D.C.M. Corporal Redpath Shooting German Snipers At Point Blank Range During The First Battle Of Ypres.Click For DetailsDTE0791
Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Edward Mowbray Allfrey, of the Kings Rifle Corps, Special Reserve, organized and carried out in a most efficient manner the supply of ammunition, rations and water to the troops engaged. The enemy and the necessity of wearing gas helmets all the time rendered this most difficult owing to continuous shellfire. Second Lieutenant Allfrey was awarded the M.C. for his conspicuous and good work. Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) E. M. Allfrey Directing The Supply Of Ammunition, Rations And Water To Troops In Action During A Gas Attack.Click For DetailsDTE0795
When volunteers were called for to blow up a small cottage between the opposing lines near Givenchy one day in November 1915, Sergeant Norman McGregor Lowe, of the London Scottish, crawled out with two comrades to undertake the dangerous task. On approaching the cottage by a sunken track they found it strewn with bodies, showing that fierce hand-to-hand fighting had taken place. After satisfying himself that the enemy were clear of the cottage, Sergeant Lowe crept to the head of the communication trench which ran past the building to the German lines. He then signalled back that all was clear, and the Engineer officer crept up to the house and laid his wires in readiness for the explosion. The party then retired, and for his conspicuous gallantry Sergeant Lowe was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant Lowe Conducting Observations From A Cottage Between The Opposing Lines Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0799
During operations Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Randle Barnett Barker, of the Royal Fusiliers, took over and organised the defences of a wood great skill, after making a personal reconnaissance of the whole wood under shell and machine gun fire. He had done other fine work, displaying great bravery, and has been awarded the D.S.O. Captain (Temporary Lieutenant- Colonel) R. B. Barker Organizing The Defences Of A Wood.Click For DetailsDTE0800
Under the splendid lead of Captain Railston (1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade) every man did his utmost, either in keeping up rapid rifle fire, or bandaging wounded comrades, or else collecting ammunition from the bandoliers of the dead and wounded. But owing to the deadly shellfire the trench was soon in a terrible state, and all the time the Germans were advancing along the British front, concentrating in considerable numbers on some dead ground among standing crops. When not at the parapet with a rifle, Captain Railston was tending the wounded. His clothes were riddled with bullets and he was wounded in the leg, but he refused to abandon his section of the trench. He had displayed great gallantry and was deservedly awarded the D.S.O. Germans Advancing Against Captain Railston And His Men, Across Ground Covered By Standing Corps.Click For DetailsDTE0803
During an advance Second Lieutenant Gabriel George Coury, of the South Lancashire Regiment, was in command of two platoons, which had been ordered to dig a communication trench, and his fine example kept up the spirits of his men, who completed the task under intense fire. Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the commanding officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight and brought him back over ground swept by machine gun fire. He also assisted in rallying the attacking troops and in leading them forward. He has been awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery. Second Lieutenant G. G. Coury Assisting Men Digging A Communication Trench Under Intense Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0804
Sapper William Hackett, of the Royal Engineers, was entombed with four others in a gallery owing to the explosion of an enemy mine. After working for twenty hours a hole was made through fallen earth and broken timber, and the outside party was met. Hackett helped three of the men through the hole, but refused to leave the fourth, which had been seriously injured. Meanwhile the hole was getting smaller, and finally the gallery collapsed. The rescue party worked desperately for four days, but the attempt to reach the two men failed. Hackett deliberately gave his life for his comrade, and in recognition of his most conspicuous bravery award of the V.C. was made. Sapper W. Hackett Refuses To Leave A Comrade Who Was Lying Seriously Injured In A Mine Gallery.Click For DetailsDTE0812
During preparations for the attack Major Williams La Touche Congreve, D.S.O., M.C., of the Rifle Brigade, carried out, under fire, reconnaissances of the enemy lines. By night he conducted a battalion to its position of deployment, afterwards returning to it and establishing himself in an exposed forward position from whence he successfully observed the enemy and gave his orders. Two days later he went out and assisted a medical officer to safely, although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell effects. On a subsequent occasion he showed supreme courage in tending wounded under heavy shellfire. He was shot dead while writing his report, after returning to the front line. In recognition of his great gallantry a posthumous award if the V.C. was made. Major W. LA T. Congreve, Conducting A Battalion To Its Position Of Deployment.Click For DetailsDTE0815
Private Thomas Hughes, of the Connaught Rangers, was wounded in an attack, but returned at once to the firing line after having his wounds dressed. Later, seeing a hostile machine gun, he dashed out in front of his company shot the gunner and single-handed captured the gun. Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners and was subsequently awarded the V.C. for this most conspicuous bravery and determination. Private T. Hughes Dashes Out In Front Of His Company, Shoots A Machine Gunner, And, Single-handed Captures The Gun.Click For DetailsDTE0816
At Festubert, on May 25th 1915, Corporal Francis Cyril Powell, of Lord Strathconas Horse, was in charge of a telephone station 600 yards behind the support trench. The enemy was heavily shelling the intervening ground, and telephone wires between Brigade Headquarters and the trenches were frequently cut. Corporal Powell and his men repeatedly went out and repaired them. Presently a most urgent message arrived from Brigade Headquarters and the wire having been cut again, corporal Powell undertook to deliver the message himself. Threading his way amidst huge craters, six feet to eight feet deep, he crossed open ground on which shrapnel and high explosive shells were continually bursting. He safely reached the trench, and repeated the dangerous journey on subsequent occasions. For hisconspicuous gallantry he was rewarded with the D.C.M. Corporal F. C. Powell Threading His Way, Under Shellfire, Amidst Huge Craters With An Urgent Message For His Commanding Officer.Click For DetailsDTE0819
Whilst the near lip of a crater, caused by the explosion of a large enemy mine, was being consolidated, Acting-Sergeant John Erskine, of the Scottish Rifles (T. F.) rushed out under continuous fire with utter disregard of danger, and rescued a wounded sergeant and a private. Later seeing his officer, who was believed to be dead, show signs of movement, he ran out to him, bandaged his head, and remained with him for fully an hour, though repeatedly fired at, whilst a shallow trench was being dug to them. He then assisted in bringing in his officer, shielding him with his own body in order to lessen the chance of his being hit again. He was rewarded with the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery. Acting Sergeant J. Erskine Bandaging His Wounded Officer While Being Repeatedly Fired At.Click For DetailsDTE0820
Later, Corporal Lain (Royal Artillery) unhooked the team from a burning ammunition wagon and got the horses safely away. For his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty he was awarded the D.C.M. Corporal A. Lain Rescues A Wagon Team.Click For DetailsDTE0823
Sergeant Robert Downie accounted for several of the enemy, and in addition captured a machine gun, killing the team. It was owing to his courage and initiative that this important position, which had resisted four or five previous attacks, was won. Sergeant R. Downie Attacks And Kills A Gun Team, And Captures The Gun.Click For DetailsDTE0831
During operations, Temporary Captain William Campbell, M.B., of the Royal Medical Corps, repeatedly attended the wounded under heavy shellfire. On one occasion, when a gas shell had hit a dug out, he went in to attempt the rescue of those within under very dangerous conditions. For the conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty shown by him he was awarded the M.C. Temporary Captain W. Campbell Attempting To Rescue Men From A Dug Out Hit By A Gas Shell.Click For DetailsDTE0832
Private (Acting-Corporal) Leo Clarke, Canadian Infantry, was building a block when about twenty of the enemy with two officers counter-attacked. He boldly advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two enemy rifles, which he had picked up in the trench. One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet wounding him in the leg, but he shot him dead. The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting-corporal Clarke, who shot four more and captured a fifth. Later, he was ordered to the dressing station, but returned next day to duty. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C. Private (Acting-Corporal) L. Clarke, Single-handed, Holding At Bay A Party Of Germans During A Counter Attack.Click For DetailsDTE0836
Following a successful raid, several raiders were seriously wounded by shellfire. Private William Jackson, of the Australian Infantry, got safely back, and after handing over a prisoner, went out again, under heavy shellfire, and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing in another wounded man, when a shell blew off his arm and the sergeant was rendered unconscious. He set a splendid example, and for his most conspicuous bravery was awarded the V.C. A Shell burst close To Private Jackson, Blowing Off His Arm When Assisting To Bring In A Wounded Man.Click For DetailsDTE0839
A leading battalion having suffered severe casualties, and the commander wounded, its flank became dangerously exposed. Raked by machine gun fire, the situation was critical.  At the request of the wounded commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford, M.C., of the Durham Light Infantry, obtained permission to command the exposed battalion in addition to his own. By his fearless energy and skilful leadership he succeeded in rallying the attack, and captured and defended the objective. He was awarded the V.C. Lieutenant (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) R. B. Bradford, M.C., Rallies The Men Of Another Battalion And Leads Them Forward With His Own Battalion.Click For DetailsDTE0840
When in command of an isolated trench and attacked on front, flank and rear, Captain Eugene Napoleon Ernest Mallet Vaughan (Reserve of Officers) Grenadier Guards, drove off the enemy, killing over 100 of them, and took twenty prisoners. His fine example gave great confidence to his men, and he was subsequently awarded the D.S.O. for his conspicuous gallantry. Captain E. N. E. M. Vaughan And His Men drive Back The Enemy From An Isolated Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0843
Temporary Captain Archie Cecil Thomas White, of the Yorkshire Regiment, was in command of troops holding the southern and western faces of a redoubt. For four days and nights, by his indomitable spirit, great personal courage, and skilful dispositions, he held his position under heavy fire of all kinds and against counter attacks. Though short of supplies and ammunition, his determination never wavered. When the enemy attacked in greatly superior numbers and had almost ejected the British from the redoubt, he led a counter attack, which finally cleared the enemy out of the southern and western faces. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery. Temporary Captain A. C. T. White Leading A Counter-Attack And Driving The Enemy From A Redoubt.Click For DetailsDTE0844
The platoon to which Sergeant D. Jones of the Liverpool Regiment, belonged was ordered to a forward position, and during the advance came under heavy machine gunfire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses. Sergeant Jones led forward the remainder, occupied the position, and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved. On the second day he drove back three counter attacks, inflicting heavy losses. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held to their post. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Sergeant D. Jones Directing The Survivors Of A Platoon After The Officer Had Been Killed.Click For DetailsDTE0847
Second Lieutenant Alfred Victor Smith, of the 1/5th Battalion, the East Lancashire Regiment (T.F.) was throwing a grenade, when it slipped from his hand and fell to the bottom of the trench, close to several British officers and men. He shouted, and he jumped clear, but seeing that the others could not get into cover, he returned without any hesitation and flung down on the grenade. The explosion instantly killed him. For this set of most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice he was awarded the V.C. Second Lieutenant A. V. Smith Throws Himself On A Live Bomb, Sacrificing His Life For His Comrades.Click For DetailsDTE0848
During a bombing attack the officer in charge was badly wounded, ad the party, having penetrated the enemy position, was compelled to retire. Eventually Private Turrall remained with the officer for three hours, under continuous and very heavy fire from machine guns and bombs, and though both himself and the officer were at one time completely cut off, he held to his ground with determination, and finally carried the officer into the British lines after counter attacks had made this possible. He was awarded the V.C. for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Private F. G. Turrall Guarding A Wounded Officer And Holding His Ground Amid Machine Gun Fire And Bombs.Click For DetailsDTE0851
On seeing that his Sergeant had been wounded, Private William Young, of the East Lancashire Regiment, left his trench to attend to him under very heavy fire. The wounded non-commissioned officer requested Private Young to get under cover, but he refused, and was almost immediately very seriously wounded by having both jaws shattered. Notwithstanding his terrible injuries, young continued endeavouring to affect the rescue upon which he had set his mind, and eventually succeeded with the aid of another soldier. He then went unaided to the dressing station, where it was discovered that he had also been wounded by a rifle bullet in the chest. The great fortitude, determination, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by this soldier could hardly be surpassed. He was awarded the V.C. Private W. Young Assisting To Bring In A Wounded Non-Commissioned Officer, After He Himself Had Both Jaws Shattered.Click For DetailsDTE0864
Captain Edgar Percival, M.B., of the Royal Army Medical Corp, led a party of stretcher-bearers into a wood, and remained for over two hours searching for wounded under shell and machine gun fire. On previous occasions he has done similar gallant work. For his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on this occasion he was awarded the D.S.O. Captain E. Percival And A Party Of Stretcher-Bearers Searching For Wounded In a Wood, Which Was Under Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0867
On the morning of October 19th 1914, Sergeant W. H. Barclay, of the East Yorkshire Regiment, crawled out from his trench, near Armentieres, to tap a German listening wire. He took with him Privates Thrussell, Donkin and Donnelly, and when the enemy opened fire on them, Thrussel was severely wounded. But Sergeant Barclay had him placed on his back, and then crawled with him to his trench, being shelled all the way. For his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on this occasion and also between September 25th and October 15th, Sergeant Barchy was awarded the D.C.M. Sergeant W. H. Barclays Perilous Journey To His Trench With A Severely Wounded Man On His Back.Click For DetailsDTE0868
Private James Miller, of the Royal Lancaster Regiment, was ordered to take an important message under heavy fire and to bring back a reply. On leaving the trench he was shot almost immediately, the bullet coming out through his abdomen. But he compressed with his hand the gaping wound, delivered his message, staggered back with the answer, and fell at the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it. He gave his life with a supreme devotion to duty, in recognition of which a posthumous award of the V.C. was made. Private J. Miller Staggers Back, Mortally Wounded, With The Answer To A Message And Falls At The Feet Of An Officer On Delivering It.Click For DetailsDTE0871
On December 20th 1914, the enemy entered the trench in which Corporal C. T. Jones, of the 28th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, was posted but he succeeded in driving them out by a well-directed fire from a trench mortar. Only two men assisted Corporal Jones, who was awarded the D.C.M. for his conspicuous gallantry,, and the enemy were throwing bombs. Corporal C. T. Jones And Two Men Driving The Enemy Of Their Trench By The Fire Of A Mortar.Click For DetailsDTE0872
On September 27th 1915, when the enemys bombers, in superior numbers, were successfully working up the Little Willie trench towards Hohenzollern redoubt, Corporal James Dalgleish Pollock, of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, got out of the trench, walked along the top edge with the utmost coolness and disregard of danger, and compelled the enemys bombers to retire by bombing them from above. Though under heavy machine gun fire, he held up the progress of the Germans for an hour, being at length wounded. He was awarded the V.C. Corporal J. D. Pollock Bombing The Enemys Bombers From The Top Of A Trench.Click For DetailsDTE0875
Owing largely to the dauntless courage and inspiring example of Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Adrian Carton De Wiart, D.S.O., of the Grenadier Guards, a serious reverse was averted during severe and prolonged operations. He displayed the utmost energy and courage in facing the British attack home. After three other battalion commanders had become casualties, he controlled their commands, and ensured that the ground won was maintained at all costs. He frequently exposed himself in the organisation of positions and of supplies, passing unflinchingly through a most intense fire barrage. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery, coolness and determination. Captain A. C. De Wiart Advancing To The Attack Through An Intense Fire Barrage.Click For DetailsDTE0876
Though wounded at the outset of the attack, Captain Arthur Forbes Gordon Kilby, of the 2nd Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, continued to lead his men along a narrow two path right up to the enemy wire, under a devastating machine gun fire and a shower of bombs. Here he was shot down, but, although his foot had been blown off, he continued to cheer on his men and to use a rifle. He has been missing since the date of the great act of valour, but in recognition of it an award of the V.C. has been made. Captain A. F. G. Kilby Cheering His Men On To The Attack After Being Seriously Wounded.Click For DetailsDTE0879
For conspicuous acts of bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing and rendering aid to the wounded whilst exposed to heavy fire, Private William Buckingham, of the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment was awarded the V.C. Private W. Buckingham Rescuing The Wounded Under Heavy Fire.Click For DetailsDTE0880
At Richebourg on October 28th 1914, Private James Edward Healey, of the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, was sent with an urgent message for reinforcements. His way lay along an open road, and he had gone about 100 yards when there was a blinding flash, and a shell exploded just in front of him. He was blown back twenty yards into a ditch by side of the road. With great pluck he got up to continue his journey, but he had hardly restarted when he was ht by a machine gun bullet. He continued on his way, however, and delivered his message at Headquarters. He had carried many messages under heavy fire, and for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty was awarded the D.C.M. Private J. E. Healey Narrowly Escapes With His Life While Acting As A Messenger.Click For DetailsDTE0883
After having been twice wounded, Captain Bernard Cyril Freyberg, D.S.O., of the Royal West Surrey Regiment and Royal Naval Division, organised the attack on a strongly fortified village, and leading the assault, captured the village and five hundred prisoners in this operation her was wounded. Later in the afternoon, he was again wounded severely, but refused to leave the line until he had issued final instructions. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading. Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) B. C. Freyberg, D.S.O., Leading The Assault On A Fortified Village.Click For DetailsDTE0884
When his officer had been wounded in the attack Sergeant Arthur Frederick Saunders, of the 9th (Service) Battalion, the Suffolk Regiment, took charge of two machine guns and a few men, and although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support. Later, when the remains of the battalion, which he had been supporting, had been forced to retire he stuck to one of his guns, continued to give clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C. Sergeant A. F. Saunders Directing The Fire Of Two Machine Guns though Severely Wounded In The Thigh.Click For DetailsDTE0887
GW5P. German Prisoners being Marched into Captivity 1917 by Gordon Wilson. German Prisoners being Marched into Captivity 1917 by Gordon Wilson. (P)Click For DetailsGW0005
GW7P. Night Attack by German Infantry of the 12th Regiment by Gordon Wilson. Night Attack by German Infantry of the 12th Regiment by Gordon Wilson. (P)Click For DetailsGW0007