Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal W. T. Coote, 1/4th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry near Thiepval in September 1916, when he went across “No Man’s Land” in broad daylight and full view of the enemy snipers, and brought in several wounded men, who had been lying there for some days

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (4253 L. Cpl. W. T. Coote. 1/4 Y. & L. R. -T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (4253 Pte. W. Coote. York & Lanc. R.); together with Silver War Badge (No. B321200) and accompanying certificate, very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 November 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions, when he went across “No Man’s Land” in broad daylight and full view of the enemy snipers, brought in several wounded men, who had been lying there for some days.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Near Thiepval 4th-6th September 1916’.

The Battalion War Diary for September 1916 suggests that Coote was awarded the D.C.M. ‘for work in raid 13-14/9/16 under Lieut. Christmas’ but the attached report on the raid makes no mention of Coote.

Walter T. Coote enlisted on 14 July 1915, and served in France with the 1/4th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, winning the D.C.M. for gallantry near Thiepval on 4-6 September 1916. He later served as a gunner (No. 312744) with Lancs R.G.A. and was discharged on 2 April 1919, aged 31.

Sold with copied research including D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, S.W.B. list, gazette notices and Battalion War Diary entries for September 1916.