Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant D. MacLeod, Seaforth Highlanders, who was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry near Pacaut Wood on 18 April 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8770 Sjt: D. MacLeod. M.M. 2/Sea: Highrs:); Military Medal, G.V.R. (8770 Sjt: D. MacLeod. 2/Sea: Highrs:); 1914-15 Star (8770 Pte. D. Mc.Leod [sic] Sea: Highrs.) very fine (3) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in stopping the enemy crossing a canal. He stood fully exposed on the towpath bombing the enemy who were attempting to cross a small footbridge. His action was of great military value.’

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918.

Donald MacLeod (also spelt McLeod) was born in Stornoway, Scotland, and attested for the Seaforth Highlanders. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 21 January 1915, and was awarded both the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the latter for his gallantry in action near Pacaut Wood on 18 April 1918.

The Battalion War Diary for 18 April 1918 states:
‘Enemy opened a heavy bombardment on back areas and cross roads at 1:00 a.m. Shelling of west areas continued up till 8:30 a.m. Intense and annihilating barrage was placed on the canal bank from 3:00 - 4:15 a.m., which fell particularly heavy on “A” and “C” Companies. At about 4:15 a.m. the enemy advanced out of the wood towards the canal. About 4:45 a.m. he managed to get to the canal and tried to place a pontoon across. This attempt failed, being met by very heavy machine and Lewis gun fire and bombing.
“D” Company advance to reinforce “C” and “A” Companies on the canal bank about 4:45 a.m. and on arrival reported to Battalion H.Q. that most of party which had been working on “A” Company’s post previous to the attack had been ferried back over the canal safely. About 5:00 a.m. posts of “A” and “B” Companies at La Pannede were successfully withdrawn by their officers across Pont l’Hinges. They were not attacked but were being fired into from canal bank. At 5:40 a.m. an attempt was made by R.E. to blow up Pont l’Hinges. The demolition was unsuccessful and a second and successful attempt was made later in the morning. By 6:15 a.m. enemy attacks had been completely defeated and the Battalion still held its line.
The behaviour of the Battalion under the most intense barrage was beyond praise, and the manner in which the Battalion dealt with the attempts of the enemy infantry needs no comment. Total casualties were 119 killed and wounded. Total casualties might have been expected to be considerably heavier under the circumstances.’