Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Colour-Sergeant W. F. Mills, 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, for a trench raid near Carnoy in April 1916

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (14753 L. Sjt. W. F. Mills, 7/Bedf. R.); 1914-15 Star (14753 Cpl., Bedf. R.); British War and Victory Medals (14753 C. Sjt., Bedf. R.) very fine (4)
£800-1000

D.C.M. London Gazette 31 May 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry when leading a party in a successful raid on the enemy’s trenches. His party bombed enemy dug-outs and accounted for many of the enemy. Much of the success of this raid was due to his cool bravery.’

This, their first raid, was carried out in the early hours of 27 April 1916. It was led by 2nd Lieutenant H. Driver, who was awarded the D.S.O. for the affair, and whose detailed account of the raid is published in the regimental history. It concludes:

‘Sergeant Mills got a D.C.M., Corporals Lancaster and Joyce got Military Medals, and every man got a Parchment from General Maxse, Commander of the Division. They all took the next train for leave. Thus ended our first raid, and I was thankful to cross over to Blighty in a hospital ship.

Sir Douglas Haig reported the raid in his daily communiqué in the following terms: ‘Last night a successful raid was carried out by men of the Bedfordshire Regiment, who entered the enemy’s trenches near Carnoy, and, after firece hand-to-hand fighting, forced them down into their dug-outs and bombed them there, inflicting heavy casualties. Only a few of our men were wounded, and the whole party successfully returned to our lines.’

Sold with some research. See also the M.M. group to 2nd Lieutenant A. H. S. Joyce, awarded for the same raid (Lot 1345.