Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Canal du Nord, September 1918’ D.C.M. and ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of five awarded to Company Sergeant-Major A. L. Watkin, 50th Battalion (Alberta Regiment) Canadian Infantry, late Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry; ‘After being wounded he single-handed attacked an enemy machine-gun nest, killing a number of crew and capturing twelve of them’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (434222 C.S. Mjr. A. L. Watkin. M.M. 50/Can: Inf.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (434222 C. S. Mjr: A. L. Watkin. 50/Alberta R.); British War and Victory Medals (434222 W.O. Cl. 2 A. L. Watkin. 50-Can. Inf.); Imperial Yeomanry L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (341 Sjt: A. L. Watkin. Montgmry: I.Y.) mounted court-style for display, very fine or better (5) £2,200-£2,600

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919:
‘In front of Bourlon, 27th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and fearless leadership. After his officers had become casualties he took command of the company and won his objective under heavy enemy fire, from which his company suffered heavily. After being wounded he single-handed attacked an enemy machine-gun nest, killing a number of crew and capturing twelve of them, thus assisting the advance of his company. Throughout he showed great courage, and rendered valuable service.’

The 50th Battalion report on the operations of 27 September states:
‘At Zero (5.20 A.M.) the attack went forward under a perfect barrage. The Canal du Nord was found no obstacle to cross but our men had a short fight with some enemy Machine Gunners who had been over run. Shortly after crossing the Canal all the officers in “D:” Company were hit, but the Company Sergt-Major A. L. Watkins (sic) M.M. led them on most gallantly.’

M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. Awarded per Corp. Order 1899 of 11 September 1918.

Imperial Yeomanry L.S. & G.C. Army Order 27 of February 1905.

Alfred Llewelyn Watkin was born at Llansantffraid, Montgomeryshire, on 17 November 1873. He enlisted into the 50th Battalion C.E.F. at Calgary on 12 January 1915, and served in France from 11 August 1916. He was slightly wounded in the head on 7 May 1917, and also by a gunshot wound in the thumb on 27 September 1918, when winning his D.C.M. He was discharged ‘medically unfit for General Service’ on 28 August 1919.

Sold with copied research including record of service and War Diary extracts.