Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Sergeant T. Dickson, 15th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7878 L.Sjt: T. Dickson. 15/High: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (7878 Pte. T. Dickson. High: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (7878 Cpl. T. Dickson. High. L.I.) nearly very fine (4) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He went forward with one man to reconnoitre the enemy strong point which was holding up the attack, and then led his platoon with great dash and skill, mopping up the post and capturing three machine guns and fourteen prisoners. Throughout the advance he set a fine example of initiative and courage.’
Additionally annotated: ‘Ayette 2-3.4.18.’

Thomas Dickson attested for the Highland Light Infantry and served with the 1st Battalion, a regular army battalion based in India prior to the war, during the Great War on the Western Front from 5 January 1915. The battalion was part of the Sirhind Brigade, Lahore Division, and took part in the Battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, Festubert and Loos in 1915 before transferring to Mesopotamia to fight against the Ottoman Empire, arriving in January 1916.
At some point Dickson transferred to 15th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, a new army battalion, which served with 14th Brigade, 32nd Division. Landing at Boulogne on 3 January 1916, the battalion served the remainder of the war on the Western Front and at the time of the Armistice was east of Avesnes. It was while serving with this battalion that Dickson, by then a Lance-Sergeant, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at the capture of Ayette, during the German Spring Offensive, on 2-3 April 1918.

The Battalion War Diary gives the following account:
‘2 April 1918: Preparations for the attack of Ayette were then hastened and Operations Order No 17 was issued. The CO held a conference of company commanders at 9am at Bn HQrs in Douchy and the details of the arrangements were thoroughly gone into. The enemy displayed little activity during the day and the preparatory work proceeded smoothly, all ranks displaying great energy and determination. The arrangements for artillery and M.G. support were most carefully made by 14th Inf Bde and these arrangements made known to all ranks. Orders were received that after completion of operations, the frontage held by D and B Coys of the 15th H.L.I. would be taken over by the 5/6th Royal Scots. Operational Order No 18 was issued.

3 April 1918: The operation was carried through in the most enthusiastic and determined fashion, all ranks being inspired with the greatest dash and gallantry and the village captured despite the large number of the enemy found to be in it.
It was subsequently discovered that a Battalion and a M.G. Battn of the enemy were in the village. The Battalion commander and Adjutant being amongst the prisoners. Owing to the length of time taken to mop up the enemy cellars and dug outs in the village the relief of D and C Coys by the 5/6th Royal Scots had to be carried out during the fighting and this was successfully done, thanks to the fine spirit shown by the relieving troops. Our casualties were slightly heavier than at first thought, 5 officers and 180 OR’s killed wounded or missing.’

The appendix report in the War Diary on the action makes particular mention of the difficulties caused by enemy machine guns / strong points and the gallantry of the men in successfully tackling these.

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