Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant C. P. Reed, 62nd (West Riding) Battalion, Machine Gun Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9632 Cpl. C. P. Reed. 62/M.G.C.); British War and Victory Medals (9632 Sjt. C. P. Reed. M.G.C.) medals unmounted, good very fine (3) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his section officer became a casualty he assumed command and steadied and reorganised the section under heavy fire, getting in touch with troops on the flanks and with company headquarters. Throughout the operations his courage and determination in the face of adverse circumstances were a conspicuous example which was of the greatest value to all his comrades.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Marfaux, 20-29 July 1918.’

‘Throughout the whole operations the 62nd Battalion Machine-Gun Corps (Lieut.-Colonel G. H. Harrison) admirably supported the infantry and co-operated with the artillery in covering fire. The machine-gunners fought under entirely new conditions. Hitherto, used only to indirect fire, barrages, etc., they were suddenly confronted with a new phase of warfare in which conditions changed rapidly, calling for quick decisions and initiative on the part of section officers. But once the change was appreciated (and it was marvellous to see how quickly the gunners grasped the principles of fighting continually on the advance in both hilly and wooded country) their co-operation with, and assistance to, the infantry was really splendid. In the attack on Marfaux and Cuitron (on 22nd July) the two villages and the Sunken Road between them and the cornfields were kept under a heavy covering machine-gun fire, which kept generally 300 metres ahead of the artillery barrage, and not only were the enemy's machine-guns reduced to inactivity, but the moral effect on the attacking infantry of the Division was good. On the 27th also, the Machine-Gun Companies lent splendid support in the attack on, and capture of, Bligny and La Montaigne de Bligny.’ (The History of the 62nd (W.R.) Division refers).

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