Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North West Europe’ Immediate D.C.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Sergeant W. E. Hindley, 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, who ‘immediately closed his Section to within 50 yds of the houses and destroyed each house in turn with PIAT fire. After this action 26 enemy bodies were found in one of the houses’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (4197725 L. Sjt. W. E. Hindley. R.W. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted on card for display, good very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jim Henshaw Collection of Medals to the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945. The recommendation for an Immediate D.C.M. states:

‘Hindley, William Eric, Cpl (L/Sjt). On 22 Sep 44, the Bn was engaged in attacking the village of Wintelre. The MG fire from a group of houses some 600 yds outside the village had held up two previous attacks. L/Sgt Hindley and his Carrier Sec were given the task of neutralising these enemy posts whilst the Bn attacked. To enable him to do this successfully L/Sgt Hindley decided to move in his carriers to a posn where he could bring the houses under PIAT fire. Whilst doing this he and his Sec came under bazooka and MG fire from the houses so Sgt Hindley immediately closed his Section to within 50 yds of the houses and destroyed each house in turn with PIAT fire. After this action 26 enemy bodies were found in one of the houses. Having completed this task this NCO then found that MG fire was coming from a haystack some 100 yds further down the road. Covered by the remaining carriers he took his own carrier down the road and silenced this MG post. This shock action undoubtedly had a considerable effect in demoralising the enemy further back in the village, who commenced to give themselves up in large numbers as soon as the attacking infantry reached them. Sgt Hindley’s fine leadership, initiative, and disregard of danger were an example to all and contributed greatly to the task he was given.’