Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Hansa Line, November 1916’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. Waterton, 1/1 Hertfordshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (1855 Cpl. H. Waterton. 1/1 Herts: R.-T.F.); 1914 Star (1855 Pte. H. Waterton. 1/1 Herts: R.); British War and Victory Medals (1855 Sjt. H. Waterton. Herts. R.) medals unmounted, lightly polished, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce (4) £1,400-£1,800

36 awards of the D.C.M. to the Regiment in the Great War, all for France and Flanders.

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 January 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed great courage and skill in handling his machine-guns under heavy fire, and greatly assisted in repulsing several hostile attacks.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Hansa Line, 13 November 1916.’

In the final stage of the Somme campaign, the Battle of the Ancre, the 1/1st Hertfordshires achieved a notable success. On the morning of 13 November, with their advance covered by mist and a heavy artillery barrage, the battalion seized the whole of the Hansa Line. It advanced to a depth of 1,600 yards, achieved all of its objectives and captured 250 prisoners and nine machine-guns. The position was held until relief the following night. Their casualties, however, numbered seven officers and 150 men.

Harry Waterton served with the 1/1st Hertfordshire Regiment in France and Flanders from 6 November 1914.

Sold with copied D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, and gazette notices.