The Donald G. Mellen Collection

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Serjeant G. W. Lillyman, Royal Field Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (60397 Sjt., A.28/Bde. R.F.A.); 1914 Star, with clasp (60397 Gnr., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (60397 Sjt., R.A.); Defence Medal, unnamed; Jubilee 1935 (G. Lillyman, Nottm. City Police) privately engraved; Special Constabulary Long Service, G.VI.R., 1st issue, 1 clasp, Long Service 1951 (George W. Lillyman) mounted as worn, fine and better (7) £900-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Donald G. Mellen Collection.

View
Collection

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 October 1917; citation 26 January 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an intense hostile shelling of his battery he ran to the position in the midst of exploding ammunition, entered a burning gun-pit, and carried away a blinded comrade. Although himself blown over by a shell, which wounded the blinded man a second time, he got him to safety and dressed his wounds. He had already guided a man who was dazed by the explosion to a place of safety, and his splendid courage and contempt of danger were the means of saving both men’s lives.’

George W. Lillyman attested for the Northamptonshire Regiment in July 1906. He served in India, November 1907-January 1912, transferring to the Royal Field Artillery in November 1909. Transferred to the Army Reserve in July 1912. With the 34th Brigade R.F.A. he entered France, serving there, August 1914-March 1915 and again, July 1915-November 1917. Lillyman was awarded the D.C.M. for his conspicuous gallantry at St. Eloi, 19 August 1917. He was discharged due to sickness on 14 December 1918 and awarded the Silver War Badge (not with lot). With a quantity of copied research - including service papers, war diary extracts, m.i.c. and roll extracts.