A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant W. Sporle, Manchester Regiment, late Royal West Kent Regiment, who was killed in action at Montigny on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (295168 Sjt: W. Sporle. 2/7 Manch. R.) edge nick and minor edge bruise, nearly extremely fine £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This N.C.O. commanded a patrol that was obliged to swim a river in order to reach its objective. The success with which the operation was carried out was largely due to his determined leadership. During the period under review he has consistently displayed great courage and zealousness his efforts to secure safety and comfort of his men being untiring.’

William ‘Bertie’ Sporle was born at Kensington, Middlesex and attested for the Royal West Kent Regiment at Whitstable, Kent. He served with the 2nd/4th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 9 August 1915, before transferring to the Manchester Regiment, and saw further service with the 2nd/7th Battalion on the Western Front. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, he was killed in action on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.