Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

With the Machine Gunners in France and Palestine

Distinguished Conduct Medal

page 241

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Sergt.-Major J. A. Barr.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although badly wounded, he refused to leave the field until he had given every possible assistance to his officer in getting his section away after it had suffered heavily from shell fire. His pluck and devotion deserve the highest praise.

Corpl. G. H. Battersby.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, when, regardless of the heavy fire he was under, he skilfully handled his machine gun as to inflict heavy losses on the enemy at 1000 yards range, then massing for attack. Later he accounted for five enemy machine guns which attempted to come into action on his immediate front, and his contempt of danger was most marked all day.

Lieut. A. W. Brown.

For acts of gallantry in the field. He established and maintained communications and frequently repaired wires under heavy fire.

Sergt.-Major C. S. Bruce.

For consistent good work and devotion to duty during operations in Gallipoli, Sinai, Palestine and Syria. His courage and leadership has been outstanding at all times.

Sergt. Donald Campbell.

For gallantry and devotion to duty at Amman on 30th March, 1918, when his machine gun having been damaged by hostile fire he quickly repaired it in action and opened fire again. He has at all times set a remarkably good example to his men.

Sergt. S. L. Emerson.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On his officer becoming a casualty during the attack on an outpost, he took charge of his section and withdrew it to the main infantry position, after all his gunners had become casualties and one gun had been put out of action until all the troops had been withdrawn from the ridge.

Sergt.-Major G. Fisher.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his officer was killed during the advance he took command of a battery of machine guns, personally reconnoitring the positions under heavy shell fire, and moving the guns forward into action. He displayed great initiative, coolness and resource under heavy fire, and by his capable leadership kept his guns in action and set a splendid example to his men.

2nd Lieut. D. Fletcher.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his section commander had become a casualty he assumed command and displayed great coolness and initiative under very heavy machine gun fire and bombing counterattack by the enemy. He and one other man were the only two unwounded in the team, but they kept the gun in action until both were wounded and until the infantry were compelled to withdraw, when they withdrew their gun and reopened fire, then reorganised his section with marked ability, obtained fresh guns and remained on duty all day, sending back clear and valuable reports. By his personal courage and leadership he rendered very valuable service. He has previously done fine work.

2nd Lieut. G. G. Harper.

(Before transfer to the Machine Gun Corps).

Sergt. L. P. Mcgee.

For distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a train of pack animals carrying ammunition and supplies page 242forward on two occasions when his animals could get no further, owing to the state of the ground, he organised carrying parties and succeeded in delivering the ammunition and supplies at their destination. He showed the greatest determination and initiative. His efforts were the direct cause of the success of the machine guns in the operations.

Sergt. M. P. Malone.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his officer was wounded early in the attack he took command of his section and pushed forward and covered the advance with his fire. When the enemy counter-attacked he rushed his guns forward to a ridge under intense fire, and completely broke the leading waves of the attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the remainder as they retired. He set a splendid example of courage and initiative.

Lieut. H. W. Price.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took part in important operations, and handled his machine guns with great skill—often under very heavy shelling. He showed splendid qualities of leadership, and set an excellent example of cheerfulness and determination to his men.

Private F. A. Stade.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the advance on Biefvillers on 24th August, 1918, he led his pack mule through heavy shell and machine gun fire to replenish the ammunition of his subsection at a critical period. Again at Havrincourt Wood on 3rd September he brought up his pack mules three times through heavy shell fire with ammunition, retiring each time to replenish his load. His gallant conduct was most marked on each occasion.

2nd Lieut. F. W. Watson.

(Before transfer to Machine Gun Corps).