Orders, Decorations and Medals

Illuminated Certificate of Appreciation awarded by the Swinton & Pendlebury Urban District Council to ‘Sergt. Alfred Whitehead, D.C.M., Medaille Militaire & Military Medal, No.91955, 8th Tank Battalion, (B. Coy.) of 511, Bolton Rd., Pendlebury’, dated 9 December 1918, the illuminated document, 335 x 218mm. (approx.), contained in a glazed dark wood frame, 414 x 312mm., very good condition £140-160

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918.
Citation, ref. The Tank Corps Book of Honour, ‘At the attack east of Gouzeaucourt on December 1, 1917, assumed command of his tank, the officer being severely wounded and evacuated under the orders of his section commander. Early in the action this N.C.O. was himself wounded, but continued in command of the tank for over five hours and succeeded in penetrating into the enemy’s lines and inflicting heavy casualties. In spite of the heavy fire that was brought to bear upon the tank Sergt. Whitehead patrolled in front of our line, keeping the enemy back till our infantry had consolidated. On one occasion, by good judgement and skilful manoeuvring of his tank, he was responsible for the rounding up of a large number of prisoners and fifteen machine-guns, in conjunction with a bombing-party of the infantry. Throughout the whole action this N.C.O showed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty and set a splendid example to the men of his crew’.

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919.
Citation, ref. The Tank Corps Book of Honour, ‘In the action against Nauroy, on September 29, Sergt. Whitehead, D.C.M., commanded a tank with very great ability. Owing to thick mist operations were delayed, and this gallant N.C.O. showed great initiative in leading his tank, in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, towards the village, where he rendered invaluable assistance to the infantry. He maintained close touch with the infantry, getting out of the tank for this purpose constantly, and was wounded whilst so doing. Throughout the day he showed great determination, initiative, and personal bravery’.

Medaille Militaire London Gazette 17 August 1918.
Citation, as for D.C.M.

Note: glass note suitable for posting.