Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant F. Thickett, Manchester Regiment, who was killed in action on the Somme on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, 21 March 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (350516 Sjt: F. Thickett. 1/9 Manch: R.); 1914-15 Star (1969 Pte. F. Thickett. Manch: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1969 Sjt. F. Thickett. Manch. R.) rank and initial officially corrected on BWM and VM, good very fine (4) £600-£800

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 May 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. When an enemy machine gun opened fire on the right of the raiding party he rushed it with two men, killed the detachment, and captured the gun. His prompt and courageous action was of the greatest assistance to the raiding party.’

Frank Thickett was born in Hyde, Cheshire, and attested for the Manchester Regiment at Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. He served with the 9th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, was advanced Sergeant, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was killed in action on the Somme on the first day of the German Spring Offensive, on 21 March 1918, on which date the British lost over 7,500 officers and men killed and 10,000 wounded. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, France.