A Collection of Medals to the 24th Foot

A Great War ‘Gallipoli operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private T. Woods, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9813 Pte. T. Woods. 2/S.W. Bord:) very fine £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 24th Foot.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 6 September 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on the night of the 18th-19th June 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. His regiment having been ordered to retake a trench which had been captured by the enemy, Private Woods volunteered, with another man, to precede the bomb-throwing party. He entered the trench, clearing the way with his bayonet, while his companion kept down the enemy’s enfilading fire, both men showing the greatest coolness and bravery, exposing themselves absolutely regardless of dander. The gave a fine exhibition of the highest courage and devotion to duty.’

The regimental history describes the action:
‘At 3 a.m. three platoons under Lieutenant Cass dashed out across the open. Shown up by a Turkish flare, they were met by a heavy fire; Lieutenant Cass and about 30 men went down and the few who reached the trench were all killed there. But the attack had relieved the pressure and, after one unsuccessful attempt to advance down Turkey Trench and a short bombardment, a fresh effort at 4.45 a.m. met with better success. This was made by Captain Fowler, Regimental Sergeant Major Westlake and some bombers, and supported by Captain Walker, Captain O'Sullivan of the Inniskillings and some men of both battalions. The party was headed by Private Woods, who cleared the way with the bayonet while Private Matthews kept down the enemy's enflading fire. Both men did magnificently, exposing themselves fearlessly and pushing steadily on. By 5.15 a.m. thirty yards had been won back, by 6 a.m. seventy, half an hour later the whole trench was in British hands. Captain Fowler had been splendid and inspired his men by his gallantry; having exhausted his own bombs he picked up Turkish bombs and threw them back with great effect.

Captain Fowler who was recommended for the V.C., which his gallantry well merited, was awarded the D.S.O., while the two privates got D.C.M.’s.’