Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. and M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal S. E. Nightingale, 9th Battalion, Essex Regiment, his D.C.M. being awarded for gallantry near Armentières immediately prior to the onset of the German Spring Offensive in 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3-2274 Pte. S. E. Nightingale. 9/Essex R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (3 2274 Cpl. S. E. Nightingale. D.C.M. 9/Essex R.); 1914-15 Star (3-2274 Pte. S. E. Nightingale. Essex R.); British War and Victory Medals (3-2274 Cpl. S. E. Nightingale. Essex R.) very fine (5) £2,600-£3,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 June 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the enemy attacking an isolated front line post he at once took part of the defence after ten of the garrison had become casualties. With the assistance of the remaining two men he repulsed the enemy, who were thus prevented from obtaining an identification. He displayed the most marked courage and determination.’
Annotated Gazette states ‘S.E. of Armentières 18/19 March 1918’ although the battalion war diary would suggest that the correct date was in fact the night of 17/18 March:

‘The enemy again raided ‘F’ post, at the same time he raided the Bn on our right. We suffered 11 casualties all wounded. He again failed to obtain identification.’ The diary entry for the 18th and 19th noted ‘Quiet Day’.

M.M. London Gazette 17 June 1919: ‘3/2274 Cpl. Nightingale, S. E., D.C.M., 9th Bn. Essex Regiment (Southend).’

Sidney Elton Nightingale was born in Clapham, London, and enlisted into the 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment, at Warley on 17 June 1914, giving his age as 17 years & 93 days and his trade as a yardman. He was posted to the 9th Battalion and served with it in France from 28 August 1914. He was wounded by a gunshot to his skull on 10 August 1918, for which he was treated at Étretat and Havre general hospitals until rejoining his unit on 7 October. He was promoted to Corporal in September 1918 and transferred to the Home Establishment on 6 February 1919, having been admitted to 4 London General Hospital whilst on leave, and transferred to the Special Reserve on 30 March 1919.

Sold with copied research including discharge documents and battalion war diary entries.