Special Collections
A Great War 1918 ‘French theatre’ D.C.M., Medaille Militaire group of six awarded to Sergeant W. T. Gibbs, 1st Battalion, South Wales Borderers
Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9580 Cpl W. T. Gibbs. 1/S. Wales Bord.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9580 Pte. W. T. Gibbs. S. Wales Bord.); British War and Victory Medals (9580 Cpl. W. T. Gibbs. S. Wales Bord.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (3902236 Sjt. W. T. Gibbs. D.C.M. S. Wales Bord.); France, Third Republic, Medaille Militaire, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, with trophy of arms suspension, worn, therefore generally good fine or better (6) £800-£1,200
This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals to the South Wales Borderers.
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D.C.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During very severe fighting this N.C.O., who was in charge of stretcher-bearers, set a very fine example of courage and self-sacrifice in the face of danger, moving about in the open during all the fighting, to ensure that the stretcher-bearers dealt with the casualties. He was working in this manner for over twelve hours, notwithstanding shell fire of an intense description, and the fact that he himself had been knocked over by the explosion of a shell close to him.’
France, Medaille Militaire London Gazette 10 October 1918.
William Thomas Gibbs was a native of Caerau, Bridgend. He enlisted in the South Wales Borderers in July 1907, and served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion in the French theatre of war from 22 August 1914. Gibbs transferred to the Army Reserve in February 1919, only to re-enlist in August of the same year. He served with the Home Battalion until discharged at Portsmouth in 1931. Gibbs died in August 1953.
Sold with copied research.
For the recipient’s son’s medal, see Lot 123.
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