Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Gallipoli operations’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Corporal W. Hughes, 1st/1st East Lancashire Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force), later commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Welsh Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (264 Pte W. Hughes. 1/1 E. Lanc: F.A. R.A.M.C. - T.F.); 1914-15 Star (264 Cpl. W. Hughes. R.A.M.C.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. Hughes.) light contact marks, very fine (4) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 15 September 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from 4th to 7th June, 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He continued his work throughout the fighting under machine-gun and shrapnel fire with a total disregard to danger.’

William Hughes was born in Salford, Lancashire, and attested for the Royal Army Medical Corps (T.F.) at Manchester in January 1914. He served with 1/1st East Lancashire Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps (T.F.) in the Egyptian theatre of war from September 1914. Subsequently saw service in Gallipoli, advanced to Corporal in January 1916, and served in France from March 1917. Hughes transferred to an Officer Cadet Unit in May 1917, and was commissioned in the 4th Battalion, Welsh Regiment in March 1918.

In his confidential report for the commission process Hughes was described as:
‘Rather a rough diamond - but he’s worked hard. He does better in the field than on paper. Should make a useful officer. Plays rugby football.’