A good Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant J. H. Austin, King’s Royal Rifle Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (R-9618 Cpl., 2/K.R.R.C.); British War and Victory Medals (R-9618 Sjt., K.R. Rif. C.); together with various pieces of original documentation, including illuminated copy of Army Orders with the announcement of Austin’s D.C.M.; congratulatory certificate from 4th Army Headquarters; and three newspaper cuttings, including a photograph of recipient, the documentation in a somewhat delicate condition, surname spelt ‘Austen’ on last medal, nearly extremely fine (3) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection formed by Peter Wardrop.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 17 September 1917: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a dug-out. Though it was repeatedly blown in by enemy bombardment, he organised working parties with the greatest energy and coolness, keeping the entrance sufficiently clear to allow observation and admit air. Later, when the place became absolutely untenable, he successfully withdrew his party, without further casualties, to our lines, displaying throughout a splendid example of cheerfulness and great presence of mind.’

The accompanying newspaper cutting confirms that the D.C.M. was awarded for an action on 10 July 1917, east of Nieuport Bains.