Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Givenchy, April 1918’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant-Major Henry Bennett, 1st Battalion, Royal Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8508 C.S. Mjr: H. Bennett. 1/R. Highrs:); British War and Victory Medals (8508 W.O. Cl. 2. H. Bennett. R. Highrs.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (8508 C.S. Mjr. H. Bennett D.C.M. R. Highrs.) mounted as worn, together with three hallmarked silver shooting medals: ‘Scottish Army Rifle Meeting 1904. The Elkington Challenge Shield, Chattie Match, won by 42nd. Lc. Corpl. H. Bennett.’; ‘Minto Cup 1906. Corpl. Bennett 42nd R.H. 04.05.06.’; S.A.R.M. 1912. Sgt. H. Bennett.’, very fine or better (7) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of a post after his company commander and subaltern had been killed and the garrison, which originally consisted of two platoons, had been reduced to 12 unwounded men. He showed a complete disregard for his own safety and a firm determination to hold the position at all costs, organising an effective machine-gun and Lewis-gun fire on the enemy’s parapet under an intense bombardment.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘Givenchy, 18 April 1918.’