Orders, Decorations and Medals

The superb Great War ‘Ypres 1914’ D.C.M. and ‘First Day of The Somme’ Bar group of eight awarded to Acting Company Sergeant Major C. E. Metcalfe, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, formerly Suffolk Regiment, who was killed in action in July 1918
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (9827 A.C.S.Mjr., W. Rid. Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (4505 Pte., 1st Suffolk Regt.) surname spelt ‘Metcalf’ on this medal; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (4505 Pte., Suffolk Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9827 Sjt., 2/W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (9827 W.O.Cl.1., W. Rid. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., type 1 (9827 C. Sjt., W. Rid. R.); Belgian Croix de Guerre, second medal with tightened claw, otherwise generally nearly very fine and better (8) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Fine Collection of Medals to 'Old Contemptibles' formed by Major Bob Keay.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1915 ‘For conspicuous gallantry, ability and resource on 8th November 1914, at Ypres. When our attack had failed and all the officers had fallen, he took charge of the company and counterattacked the enemy with complete success - he was himself wounded.’

Bar to D.C.M. London Gazette 22 September 1916 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. Though wounded, he refused to leave the line, and continued to carry out his duties most ably. During the following nine days, while holding the front line trenches, he rendered invaluable assistance in reorganising the battalion. He set a splendid example to all ranks. (1 July 1916, Serre and Beaumont Hamel’

Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 12 July 1918.

Cecil Edward Metcalfe was born and enlisted at Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. He served in France and Flanders with the B.E.F. from 14 August 1914 and was killed in action there on 18 July 1918 in the daring raid on Pacaut Wood. This raid was undertaken by 5 officers and 200 other ranks who were divided equally into four platoons, including three Lewis guns and eight stretcher bearers. The original orders stating:

‘A detachment of the Battalion will carry out a raid on 18 July 1918 with the intention to clear a sector of Pacaut Wood in two phases, and capture the garrison, thus obtaining identifications and causing casualties. No titles, regimental patches, or other articles which might cause identification are to be worn by any of the party. Special raid identity discs are being issued. White bands will be worn on the left arm.’

The raid was ultimately successful with enemy casualties being estimated at between 30 and 40 men, as well as 29 prisoners captured, one machine gun captured and three destroyed. The British casualties in the raid were 5 killed, 25 wounded and 2 missing known to be killed. At the time of his death Regimental Sergeant Major Metcalfe was 39 years of age. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.