Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War M.C., D.C.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant Major William Baker, Royal Warwickshire Regiment

MILITARY Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved (C.S.M., 1st R.W.R. 26th June 1917); DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL, G.V.R. (1188 C.S. Mjr., 16/R. War. R.); 1914 MONS STAR (1188 Pte., R. War. R.); BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS (W.O. Cl. 2., R. War. R.); ARMY L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (5094100 W.O. Cl. II., M.C., D.C.M., R. War. R.) contact marks and pitting, therefore good fine and better (6)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Mike Minton.

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M.C., London Gazette, 17 September, 1917: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. Noticing an enemy machine gunner who had been passed over by our first wave, about to bring his gun into action upon the rear of our advance, he rushed at him, knocked him out with a bomb and then captured the gun and the remaining six men of the team in their dugout. By his coolness and prompt action he undoubtedly saved a number of casualties. Throughout the operation he set a splendid example of fearlessness and devotion, moving about totally regardless of his personal safety and supervising every detail of the attack and consolidation. His work throughout the campaign has been consistently gallant.'

D.C.M., London Gazette, 13 February, 1917: 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He assumed command and led his Company with great courage and determination. He performed consistent good work throughout.'

Extracts from the 16th Battalion War Diary show that Baker was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry during an attack on 27 July 1916, between Longueval and the western edge of Delville Wood.