Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant W. F. Adams, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, who was decorated for his gallantry at the battle of Le Cateau in October 1918, the last occasion on which a Horse Artillery unit galloped into action - he had earlier been wounded on two occasions

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6251 Sjt. W. F. Adams, R. Can. H.A.; 1914-15 Star (6251 Gnr. W. F. Adams, R. Can. H. Art.); British War and Victory Medals (6251 Sjt. W. F. Adams, R.C.H.A.), very fine and better (4) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Awards to the Canadian Forces.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919:

‘On 10 October 1918, near Le Cateau, he commanded his sub-section with great coolness under heavy shell fire of high explosive and gas. He has served continuously in France since July 1915, in an exemplary manner, always showing the utmost devotion to duty under the most trying circumstances.’

Walter F. Adams was born in New Malden, England, on 23 April 1892. A Labourer by trade, he enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Valcartier in September 1914, stating that he had three years prior service in the East Surrey Regiment.

Posted to the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, he was embarked for France in July 1915, where he was wounded on 29 May 1916, and again on 9 September of the same year, when hit by shrapnel in the thigh. But he returned to active service and was advanced to Bombardier in March 1917 and to Sergeant in March 1918, following which he won his D.C.M. for the above cited deeds at the battle of Le Cateau in October of the latter year. On that occasion, the Fort Garry Horse made a spirited charge, closely supported by R.C.H.A., who galloped their 13-pounders forward to Gattigny Wood - the last occasion a Horse Artillery unit galloped into action.

Adams was discharged in July 1919; sold with copied service papers.