Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.C.M. group of three to Driver W. Deakins, Royal Field Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (37659 Dvr., 81 / Bde. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (37659 A-Bmbr., R.A.) good very fine (3) £500-550

D.C.M. London Gazette 24.6.1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry. When a hostile shell ignited the ammunition in a pit and the fire spread rapidly, Lieut. Carbery, Sergeant-Major Horsfield, Gunner Deakins and Actg. Bombr. Walker, at great personal risk, fought the flames for over an hour under heavy shell fire. Finally they succeeded in getting out the ammunition and extinguishing the fire. They set a fine example of pluck and detirmination’.

Acting Bombardier W. Deakins, D.C.M., 21st Bty. 149th Bde. Royal Field Artillery, died on 16.8.1921, aged 42 years. He was laid to rest at Manor Park Cemetery, Essex.