The Kenneth Petrie Collection

A Great War ‘Gallipoli - Suvla Bay landing operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private I. Walton, 9th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for saving the life of Major C. E. Tristram, 7 August 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (3520 Pte I. Walton. 9/Lanc: F.) very fine £700-£900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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H. Y. Usher Collection.

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry at Suvla Bay on 7th August, 1915, when he rescued a wounded officer from the burning scrub under heavy fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 21 January 1916.

Ingham Walton served during the Great War with the 9th (Service) Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in the Gallipoli theatre of war from 11 July 1915. Walton distinguished himself during the Suvla Bay landing operations, which commenced on the evening of 6 August 1915, with the Battalion having:
‘Embarked for Gallipoli 5.30pm (6th - Headquarters and ‘W’ Company in lighter “K2” towed by Bulldog, rest of Battalion in lighter “K1” towed by Grampus. Lighters went around some 1,000 yards south of intended landing area - ‘A’ Beach. Enemy opened fire as men began to wade ashore. ‘Z’ Company under Major C. E. Tristram moved forward to edge of Salt Lake. ‘X’ (Captain E. M. Elwell) and ‘Y’ (Captain F. R. L. Lowth) Companies followed. Lieutenant Colonel W. J. Woodcock (Second in Command) moved forward with part of ‘W’ Company and cleared enemy which had forced their way between ‘Z’ and ‘Y’. Heavy casualties among ‘Z’ Company - all officers hit. Enemy attacked at daybreak (7th) and driven off. Lieutenant Colonel Welstead killed by a sniper on beach. Advanced on Hill 10 in support of 8th Northumberland Fusiliers and 5th Dorsetshire. Hill taken together with surrounding trenches after heavy fighting. Gains consolidated under Captain M. C. Ferrers-Guy now senior officer. Casualties among officers so far - 7 killed, 7 wounded....’ (British Regiments at Gallipoli, by R. Westlake refers).

The Regimental History gives Major Tristram as the officer saved by Walton, with the former being severely wounded in the head, surrounded by three dead Turks, and nearly burnt to death by the scrub when enemy shells set it alight.