A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Corporal Harold Martin, 1/4th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment, for gallantry at night in capturing a German officer and three men in September 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1892 L. Cpl. H. Martin. 1/4 R. Lanc: Regt.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (200198 L. Cpl. H. Martin. R. Lanc: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1892 Cpl. H. Martin, R. Lanc. R.) mounted as worn, contact marks, otherwise very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 9 October 1915:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and resource on the night of 8th-9th September 1915, near “Point 423”. He was on duty at a listening post about 12.30 a.m., when he saw a German Officer and two men approaching him. He remained silent till they were quite close, when he sprang suddenly into view shouting “Hands up”! They dropped their arms and put their hands up. He then saw a fourth German, and ordered the Officer to make him lay down his arms and join the party, which he did. He then stood guard over his prisoners and shouted for an escort, which marched them in.
Lance-Corporal Martin then returned to his post, after collecting one revolver and three rifles belonging to the prisoners.’

Harold Martin was a native of Hallamshire and served in France with the 1/4th Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment from 3 May 1915. Sold with copied Medal Index Card and illustration of the incident from Deeds that Thrill the Empire.