Part 16
Near LE HAMEL, 10th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a hostile attack, when, in spite of their flank being exposed, his company maintained the position. Again, when he was the only officer left in the company, he managed to protect the left flank of the battalion when the troops on the left had retired, and so saved a critical situation.
FIGG, Capt. Sydney Vavasseur 1/Royal Warwick
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
FISHER, 2/Lt. Henry Cecil 16/Middlesex
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
FISHER, 2/Lt. William Eric R.A.S.C.
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
FLEMING, 2/Lt. Herbert Sidney 5/Northumberland Fusiliers
Near LAVENTIE, 1918. This officer, who was commanding a platoon, had orders to advance. An hour after receiving the orders he led his platoon forward, and, although he had never seen the country before him during daylight, kept direction accurately, quickly taking each objective as he came to it. Although met by hostile machine-gun fire, he pushed on through two hostile strong points, capturing a machine gun and the gunners, and establishing himself well in advance of his final objective. By his coolness under fire not only did he set a good example to his platoon but inflicted many losses on the enemy, whom he encountered in greatly superior numbers.
FLINT, Capt. Hugh 1/Hampshire
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
FOORD, 2/Lt. Basil Arthur 7/London
Near ARRAS, 28/29 May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of the right attacking platoon in a raid on the hostile lines. He displayed a fine fighting spirit and powers of leadership, personally accounting for many of the enemy. When the time for withdrawal came, he remained behind to assure himself that all his casualties were brought back, assisting to carry some of them himself. He was the only surviving officer, and his gallant behaviour throughout was a fine example to all ranks.
FORBES, Lieut. George Freeman Murray 1/Gloucester
N. of GRICOURT, 29th September, 1918, when a frontal attack was held up, this officer on his own initiative worked round on a flank and entered the enemy’s trenches. By this action he was enabled to organise a bombing attack party which worked up to the trench and took the enemy by surprise and caused him to retire. This enabled the frontal attack to gain their objective. He showed the greatest gallantry, initiative and resourcefulness.
FOULKES, 2/Lt. Edward South Lancashire
PLOEGSTEERT, 11th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. This officer displayed exceptional coolness and good leadership under very difficult circumstances. He rallied and reorganised men with marked success, and when compelled to withdraw did so by successive rushes, under covering fire, checking the enemy advances.
FRANKLIN, Lieut. Leslie 9/Yorkshire L.I.
PROSPECT HILL, near LE CATELET, 3rd October, 1918. For gallantry and ability in commanding his company during the attack. His skill and initiative were most marked. Again, on the night 7/8 October, when his company took part in the attack on VILLERS FERME, near VILLERS OUTREAUX, he displayed the same gallantry and coolness and captured his objective under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire.
FRASER, 2/Lt. Alan Cumming 7/London
MALARD WOOD, 8th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. When the advance on his flank was held up by heavy machine-gun fire he worked his Lewis gun forward with great courage and disregard of danger, and silenced the machine guns. Our advance was then pushed on. Throughout the operations his fine example inspired confidence in all ranks.
FRASER, 2/Lt. Alexander 6/Royal Highlanders
LONGAVESNES, 21st to 30th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As battalion signalling officer he kept up communications under most difficult circumstances. When practically all the officers had become casualties he organised the men of all units around him and by his coolness and good leadership covered the withdrawal of other troops. By his cheerfulness and utmost disregard of danger he set a magnificent example.
FRIEND, 2/Lt. Charles Percy 3/Wilts
Near MORCHIES, 22/23 March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As company commander he kept his men under a fine state of control in the face of great odds. He organised his line of defence with the greatest skill, and by his fine example kept up the spirit of his company, which inflicted heavy casualties and held the enemy in check at a critical moment.
FRIGHT, 2/Lt. Harold William 5/South Lancashire
Near TOURNAI, 8th November, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. He led his platoon with great determination in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, in endeavouring to force a passage across the ESCAUT RIVER, and was wounded in the leg by a machine-gun bullet. His company, despite heavy casualties, hustled the enemy to the river bank, and almost prevented the last bridge being blown up.
FRYER, 2/Lt. Thomas James Harold K.R.R.C.
PLOEGSTEERT WOOD, 12/13 July, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. He dragged a wounded man from the enemy’s wire to safety, and assisted others to get under cover. He crossed “No Man’s Land” three times under heavy fire while carrying out his gallant work.
FURZE, Capt. Gordon Coldstream Guards
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
GARBUTT, 2/Lt. John Restarick Royal West Kent
S. of HEBUTERNE, 17th July, 1918. He led his platoon forward from the reserve company through heavy shell fire with great gallantry and ability, reaching the forward companies with ammunition and entrenching tools, immediately after the objective had been gained, thereby greatly assisting the consolidation. When he found that one of the forward companies had lost nearly all its officers, he sent his platoon back, remaining himself to assist in the organisation and consolidation of the position, which was successfully carried out in spite of heavy shell and machine-gun fire. He displayed throughout great coolness and complete disregard of danger.
GARDNER, Capt. Henry R.A.
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
GARRARD, 2/Lt. Cyril Proctor R.E.
LOCRE, 21st August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a section working on tracks immediately behind the assaulting infantry. In spite of heavy fire he kept in touch with the situation by constant personal reconnaissance, and thus enabled the work to be pushed forward rapidly with small loss. His party was instrumental in capturing seven prisoners.
GASCOIGNE, Lieut. Hugh R.T.O. (14/Worcester)
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
GAWLER, Capt. Harry Stephen 9/York & Lancaster
Awarded 1st January, 1919.
GAULDER, 2/Lt. Charles William Edward 5/Yorkshire L.I.
Near ORSINVAL, 4th November, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of Stokes mortar section. When the leading wave was held up by machine-gun fire, he brought up a mortar, and, despite casualties caused by the heavy fire directed on him, silenced the machine guns. The promptness with which he grasped the situation enabled the infantry to advance and gain their objective with small loss.
GAYWOOD, 2/Lt. Frederick James 8/East Surrey (T.M.B.)
S. of MIRAUMONT, 15th February, 1917. He established his two guns within 100 yards of the enemy and bombarded an enemy post, thereby enabling the infantry to capture the post.
BAR TO M.C.
CHERISY, 3rd May, 1917. He accompanied and supported the assaulting battalion with his trench mortar, knocking out two enemy machine guns and accounting for a number of the enemy. When retirement became necessary he rendered his gun useless and assisted in reorganising the infantry.
SECOND BAR TO M.C.
Near PRIEZ FARM, 1st September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He kept his company close behind the barrage, and took the farm in the first rush, the garrison of about 100 retiring. By the time the enemy counter-attacked he had organised a strong defence, and easily beat them off. With the assistance of two other officers he gradually rounded up the enemy in the vicinity, and after seven hours’ fighting they surrendered. His initiative and leadership gained this very formidable strong point.
GEORGE, Major Walter Hope 16/M.G.C.
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
GIBBONS, Capt. James FitzGeorge 2/Notts & Derby
GINCHY, 13th September, 1916. He reconnoitred the position under very heavy fire. Later he organised and most gallantly led his company in an attack. He was severely wounded.
GIBBS, 2/Lt. Eric Noel 10/London (1/Artists)
THILLOY, 27th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and able leadership. After his company commander had become a casualty this officer took command and materially assisted the advance by working his men round to a flank and engaging enemy machine guns which were holding up the company in front. Throughout the day he set a fine example to those around him.
GIBBS, Capt. Lawrence Henry 10/Lancashire Fusiliers
GOUZEAUCOURT, 9th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer led his men through a heavy gas bombardment and reached the objective, driving the enemy out, killing two with his revolver. His company was then counter attacked from the flank, but the attack was repulsed, with the loss of twenty-two prisoners. He set a splendid example throughout the day’s fighting, constantly exposing himself and encouraging his men.
GIBBS, Capt. Thomas Raleigh 2/Highland L.I.
N. of VERTAIN, 23rd October, 1918. For most conspicuous gallantry and initiative during the operations. On reaching his objective he discovered a pocket of the enemy holding a sunken road. He rushed forward with one N.C.O. and killed two of the enemy and captured thirty. Six machine guns were found in the road, and but for his dash and courage a dangerous situation would have arisen.
BAR TO M.C.
Awarded 1st January, 1919.
GIBSON, Lieut. Archibald 2/Royal Scots Fusiliers
LEDEGHEM, 14th October, 1918. During the advance he was conspicuous for his initiative and contempt of danger. His company was in support, and on seeing the front company held up by heavy machine-gun fire he personally reconnoitred the ground and then pushed a platoon round the flank which captured the position and thus allowed the flank to advance. After taking the final objective he went forward under machine-gun fire and sniping, got in touch with his flanks, and selected the best positions for his men.
GIBSON, 2/Lt. Dudley Robert 4/Royal Berks
FAUQUISSART, 19th July, 1916. He led his platoon with great dash up to the enemy wire. Finding they could not get through, he patrolled till he found a gap, through which he led them on under heavy fire.
GIFFORD, 2/Lt. William Douglas Gowthorp 4/York & Lancaster
Near RANSART, 17/18 February, 1917. He personally conducted the raiding parties back to the supporting troops, and, on hearing that one group had not returned, he went back, found it, and let it back through the gap. He previously carried out several daring reconnaissances of the enemy’s position.
BAR TO M.C.
NEUVE EGLISE, 13th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a counter-attack which repulsed the enemy from a village. He personally killed seven and wounded four of the enemy, and with his small party he captured four enemy machine guns and fifty-one prisoners. He did very fine service.
GILCHRIST, 2/Lt. James 3/Royal Scots Fusiliers
Near YPRES, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having led his company to its objective, he held on throughout the day under a very heavy bombardment, although twice buried during the afternoon by enemy shells. He showed a splendid example of devotion to duty and courage under the heaviest fire.
GILKS, Capt. Humfrey Livingstone 1/Artists
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
GILL, Lieut. Hugh Stanley R.F.A.
FONTAINE-LES-CROISILLES, 28th May, 1917. At great personal risk he extinguished a burning ammunition dump. His promptitude and fearlessness saved several hundred rounds of ammunition, and probably many lives as well.
GILLESPIE, Lieut. Thomas Leslie 4/Worcester
E. of BAILLEUL, 1st September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. When his company, which had been ordered to move up and fill a gap between two corps, was held up by machine-gun fire, he went forward and by personal reconnaissance located enemy machine guns, and turned his Lewis guns on to them with great effect, thus clearing the way for his company. The success of the advance was largely due to his fine courage and personal example.
GILLOTT, Lieut. Cecil 14/Durham L.I.
Near MORCHAIN, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When defending part of a line with his platoon, although wounded early in the attack, he remained with his men until hit for the third time. By his fine example of coolness and absolute disregard for personal safety, his platoon was able to inflict heavy losses on the enemy, and to hold them up until they had worked round the flanks.
GJERTSEN, Capt. Rudolf 4/Essex
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
GLOVER, 2/Lt. Montague Charles 6/Royal Warwick
AVE, ITALY, 4th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and determined leadership in a raid. He led his platoon with courage and ability, and set a very fine example to those under him.
GOACHER, Capt. Frederick 1/Artists
MOEUVRES, 27th September, 1918. He displayed most gallant leadership, capturing more than 200 prisoners in the Canal. He then reorganised and, pushing on, led his company to their objective. He inspired his men by his utter disregard of danger, and continued to set a splendid example until wounded a short while afterwards.
GODDARD, 2/Lt. Wilfred John 7/Royal West Kent
In FRANCE, 24/25 April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in a successful counter-attack under heavy machine gun and shell fire, kept his men well in hand, and maintained his position under extremely heavy fire during the next day.
GODFREY, Capt. Ernest Gordon 6/London
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
GODFREY, 2/Lt. Stanley Charles 2/Royal Scots Fusiliers
GUN TRENCH, 30th September, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry when the Germans had succeeded in entering Gun Trench and were bombing down it. It was largely owing to the personal bravery and initiative of 2/Lt. Godfrey that their advance was stopped. He organised bombers, collected bombs and attacked the enemy, gaining some ground. He was continuously fighting from 6.30 p.m. till 5 a.m. next day.
GOLDIE, Capt. Bernard Charles Mary 10/London
Near SIVRI TEPE, EGYPT, 19th September, 1918, For conspicuous gallantry and dash during the operations. He, in conjunction with another officer, each in command of a platoon of the advanced guard, though taken on both flanks by machine-gun fire, pushed on, captured their objective and several prisoners. This manœuvre turned Sivri Tepe, and was instrumental in causing the enemy to retire, thus materially assisting the advance.
GOLDSBURY, 2/Lt. Charles Melville 7/London
Near HOLLEBEKE, 9/10 July, 1917. When in command of a raid, he was the first to reach the farm which was the objective, and in spite of enemy barrage and heavy rifle fire dashed on ahead and bombed the place, setting it on fire and capturing 10 prisoners. He was severely wounded whilst returning, having remained behind in the burning building to search for a trench mortar. The success of the enterprise was entirely due to his splendid example of fearlessness and personal leading.
GOSLETT, Capt. Raymond Gwynne R.A.S.C.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
GOSNEY, Lieut. Harold William 13/Rifle Brigade
Near LOUVIGNIES, 4th November, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and cool ability. His company commander and others being wounded, he reorganised the company, and on reaching the first objective he personally went along his line, adjusting liaison on both flanks. On reaching the final objective, and finding himself the senior officer present, he superintended consolidation on the battalion front.
GOTCH, 2/Lt. Davis Ingle 6/Northampton
REGINA TRENCH, 25th to 29th October, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although several times buried himself, he was constantly helping to dig out others, and by his cheerfulness and courage afforded a fine example to all ranks.
GOULD, 2/Lt. Arthur Nutcombe 1/Gloucester
E. of POELCAPPELLE, 31st March and 1st April, 1918. He was in command of a patrol which was fired on by an enemy machine gun at a range of 30 yards, and three of his men were wounded. He succeeded in dragging two of them back with the help of the third man a distance of 200 yards to a point where he could return to our lines and bring back help. His courageous and determined action prevented the men from falling into the enemy’s hands.
GOULD, Lieut. Cyril Edward 280th (London) Brigade, R.F.A.
SEBOURG, 5th November, 1918. Whilst coming into action in a new position, his battery came under heavy fire, which caused a block in the traffic and the ditching of one of the guns. He displayed great presence of mind and coolness, quickly found another route of advance, and eventually got the battery forward into action. He thereby enabled not only his battery but many others in the rear to get forward and into action.
GRAHAM, Lieut. Keith 15/Hampshire
MENIN, 2nd October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although nearly surrounded by enemy machine guns he held his position and succeeded in capturing a strong concrete dug-out in a farm. He showed coolness and resource in the face of determined resistance.
GRAHAM, 2/Lt. Thomas Eric 2/Scottish Rifles
Near FRELINGHEM, 1st October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When sent out on a patrol with three men to examine a river, he found a footbridge, crossed it, and made a thorough reconnaissance. On returning, the enemy made an unsuccessful attempt to cut him off, and he withdrew his patrol under fire without a casualty. On the following night when on patrol he was instrumental in the discovery of a second footbridge, and owing to his good leadership his patrol gained most valuable information. On both occasions he showed great determination and sound judgment.
GRAY, Capt. Harold Vernon 6/Gloucester
HOLNON WOOD, 22nd March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The enemy were believed to have penetrated into a position held by an advanced right company, and he was sent to report on the situation. He displayed great courage and resource both in going and returning under heavy shell fire, organised the position, and successfully returned with a very clear report.
GRAY, 2/Lt. Harry Albert Royal West Kent
N. of YPRES-MENIN ROAD, 3rd October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in maintaining direction as leader of an assaulting wave. When his company commander became a casualty he reorganised the company, which had lost over 60 per cent., and beat off several minor attacks. He remained with his men in a shallow trench when they were being heavily shelled, when he might have gone to his headquarters. The good work done by the company was mainly due to his splendid example.
GRAY, Lieut. James 5/Royal West Surrey
Near GRAND ROZOY, 29th July, 1918. He repeatedly distinguished himself in action, especially when he led his company, with a total disregard for personal safety, under intense and accurate machine-gun fire. He inspired his men with great confidence, and successfully dealt with some difficult situations.
GRAY, Lieut. Samuel Alexander 23/London
HAPPY VALLEY, 22nd August, 1918. He carried out several important reconnaissances under heavy fire, bringing back information of essential value on each occasion. Later, when the enemy attacked with some success, he fought a determined rearguard action, holding successive positions to the last moment. Throughout the operations his gallantry and devotion to duty were conspicuous examples to his men.
GREEN, 2/Lt. Arthur 3/D.C.L.I.
Near MERVILLE, 12th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He acted as adjutant until he was wounded, and rendered the utmost assistance in reforming and reorgansing a defensive line at a time when great pressure was being brought against the battalion and the position was obscure. His personal example under trying conditions and heavy fire at close range was altogether admirable.
GREEN, Lieut. George Richard Grenadier Guards
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
GREEN, Capt. William Charles 1/South Stafford
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
BAR TO M.C.
Near BOIS DE LUXEMBOURG, 27/28 May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. When the enemy had broken through on his left and his company had suffered severe losses, he rallied the remainder of his men and held on for a considerable time. Having lost touch with troops on his right, he withdrew to a trench in rear and again maintained touch with them. His numbers being greatly depleted, he attached himself to the troops on the right until wounded the following day.
GREENWOOD, Lieut. James Hurst 11/Royal West Kent
YPRES-COMINES CANAL, 14th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded in the jaw, he continued to lead his company with great dash and fearlessness, rushing and capturing a machine gun which was holding up his advance. This was the second occasion on which he had captured an enemy machine gun.
GRIERSON, Lieut. Kenneth McIvor 22/Manchester
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
GRICE, 2/Lt. William Stanley R.G.A.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
GRIFFIN, Capt. Arthur Ethelbert R.E.
Awarded 1st January, 1919.
GRIFFITH-JONES, Lieut. William Lionel Phillips 3/Durham L.I.
POTYZE, 14/15 March, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry. He took part in a raid on the enemy’s trenches, and was the first man to enter them. He shot the sentry and set a fine example of coolness.
GRIFFITHS, 2/Lt. William Henry 16/Royal Warwick
ACHIET-LE-GRAND, 21st to 23rd August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. He led his platoon in an attack with great skill to the final objective in spite of heavy machine-gun fire. When the flanks were exposed and a withdrawal became necessary, he maintained his position for two hours over a thousand yards in advance of the new line covering the withdrawal, and then brought back his men in perfect order. In a later attack he captured all his objectives and took command of a large number of troops who had lost their leaders. The success achieved was largely due to his courage and coolness.
GUTTRIDGE, 2/Lt. John Frederick 9/Yorks
Awarded 1st January, 1919.
HACK, 2/Lt. Walter Pank 10/Lincoln
Near POELCAPPELLE, 22nd to 24th October, 1917. Seeing two of the enemy about 200 yards from our trenches trying to get away he covered them with a Lewis gun and went out himself and brought both back prisoners.
HADRILL, 2/Lt. Cedric Ivor 10/East Yorks
FORET DE NIEPPE, 28th June, 1918. Soon after the commencement of an important attack this officer went well forward and established a signal station, from which he kept up communication between battalion headquarters and the companies, notwithstanding the heavy enemy shell fire, which constantly broke the wires. His personal courage and coolness under trying circumstances were a fine example to his men, and he sent back valuable information from his position in the front line.
HALL, Capt. Alner Wilson 1/Artists
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
HALL, 2/Lt. Lionel Everard 1/K.R.R.C.
Near VERMELLES, 28th September, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry at the quarries. He led his bombers and threw bombs himself against the Germans for nearly three hours until completely exhausted. By his courage and example he eventually worked his way up the trench and cleared it of the enemy.
HALLIDAY, 2/Lt. Clarence Peter 2/Yorkshire L.I.
FAYET, 14th April, 1917. He led his platoon with great skill in the face of heavy fire, and placed his machine guns to such advantage that he was able to materially check the enemy counter-attack, thereby rendering valuable assistance at a critical period.
HALLIDAY, Lieut. Howard Edwin 7/Worcester
ASIAGO PLATEAU, ITALY, 10/11 October, 1918. For conspicuous courage and determination during a night raid on enemy trenches at Sec. In spite of the darkness and a heavy enemy barrage, he led his men straight to the final objective, where he engaged the enemy with great gallantry. An enemy machine gun opened fire on his party at close range; he at once, with only a few men, rushed the gun, putting the team out of action, and brought the gun back to his lines.
HALLOWES, 2/Lt. Rupert Price 4/Middlesex