Part 18

NEUVE EGLISE, 11th to 14th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while commanding a company. He beat off several attacks by superior forces, and when his right flank was exposed and communication cut he still held on to his position. He made a valiant fight, and not until he was compelled to do so did he order a retirement.

JAMES, 2/Lt. Lawrence Edward 7/London

S.E. of YPRES, 20th September, 1917. When the advance of his company was held up by enfilade fire from a dug-out he quickly made up a party, and after hard fighting captured the position, accounting for eight of the enemy. His prompt action was invaluable to the battalion.

JAMES, 2/Lt. William Thomas 1/London

N.W. of BULLECOURT, 16th June, 1917. He took command of his company when his other officers had become casualties, and consolidated and held a position for 24 hours, although subjected to repeated bombing attacks and sniping from all sides. His conduct and bearing throughout were most creditable, and set a splendid example to his men.

JARVIS, Captain Arthur 1/Gloucester

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

JEFFERYS, Capt. Arthur Harold 7/Middlesex (Loyal North Lancs.)

GIVENCHY, 18th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As soon as the enemy barrage lifted he ordered his company to stand to, and when he found that the enemy had penetrated the trenches he led an immediate counter-attack and drove them back some distance. He then organised and led bombing parties to clear the enemy out, and join up with a company on the left. He succeeded in this, and, although wounded, insisted on reorganising the sector, and did not leave till the next day.

JERWOOD, Capt. Edward Longsden 1/Royal Berks

S. of RICHEBOURG L’AVOUE, May 15th, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a night attack on the enemy’s trenches, when in charge of machine guns. He established a machine gun in position in the second captured German trench under rifle and machine-gun fire, and also recovered a machine gun that had been lost between the first and second German trenches. On 17th May he gallantly led a section which established two machine guns in the firing line under shell fire, and set a fine example to the men under his command.

FIRST BAR TO M.C.

Near OPPY, 29th April, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company during an attack. By his dispositions and personal example he was able to repulse several heavy counter-attacks until himself wounded. The reports he sent back were invaluable.

SECOND BAR TO M.C.

Near BERMERAIN, 24th October, 1918. For marked gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of the support company he noticed that the left front company and the battalion on his left were held up by heavy enfilade machine-gun fire. He promptly advanced his company and captured the final objective.

JERWOOD, Capt. John Hugh 10/Durham L.I.

S.E of HOOGE, 21/22 and 24/25 August, 1917. He maintained his position regardless of withdrawals on his right and left and of the fact that the enemy had penetrated the line on both his flanks. He displayed a coolness and fearlessness which inspired all ranks with confidence.

JOHNSON, Capt. Alfred Forbes R.G.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

OHNSON, Capt. Charles Beckett 5/Border (9/Liverpool)

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

JOHNSTON, 2/Lt. John Darrell 5/Gloucester

E. of YPRES, 22nd August, 1917. During the attack he led his company through the barrage and took up and consolidated a position. He took command of the forward line and organised the defence of four different units. He displayed exceptional qualities of leadership, and by his cheerfulness and disregard of danger inspired all ranks to consolidate and hold on at a critical time. His organisation of the line helped the troops on his flanks to hold on to the objectives.

JOHNSTONE, Lieut. Robert 4/London (R.F.C.)

Near LE TRANSLOY, 17th October, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He has shown marked courage and initiative in turning our artillery on to columns of enemy infantry. On one occasion he carried out counter battery work in cloud and mist at 800 feet under heavy fire from the ground.

JONES, Lieut. Percy Hudson R.E.

FESTUBERT, 18th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As brigade signalling officer he displayed untiring energy in his efforts to establish communication with battalions which had become dislocated owing to heavy bombardment and mist. Throughout the day he was up and down seeing what could be done to improve matters, regardless of personal risk.

JONES, 2/Lt. Reginald Lucas 9/London

Near WESTHOEK, 16th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions in hand-to-hand fighting. On one occasion he cleared a tunnel dug-out with a Lewis gun, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.

JOSEPHS, 2/Lt. Edward Albert Robert 5/Gloucester

S. of POELCAPPELLE, 4th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of his company in an attack and led it forward under heavy fire. He showed great initiative and energy in organising and consolidating the captured ground.

JUPP, Lieut. John Morton Scott 10/Manchester

BRIASTRE, 20th October, 1918. For marked gallantry and determined leadership. He was in command of a company, and under heavy machine-gun fire, dashed forward with a few men, shooting several of the enemy with his rifle and capturing the guns. Later, finding that the company on his flank had not reached its objective, he led a platoon and attacked the enemy on his flank.

JULL, 2/Lt. Robert Charles R.G.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

JUNGIUS, Lieut. Ernest James Theodore 1/Bedford (M.G.C.)

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

KEEP, 2/Lt. Alan Ralph 3/Royal West Surrey

OVILLERS, 27th July and 13th August, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He kept his battery continually in action day and night under heavy shell fire, thereby materially assisting the infantry to capture enemy trenches.

KEEY, Lieut. Cecil Walter 7/London

SAULCOURT and EPEHY, 7th September, 1918. For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during the operations. He was in charge of two mobile trench mortars, and had both guns put out of action, and the majority of the teams wounded. Despite the fact that he was wounded in the face he took over the remnants of two companies of infantry who were left without an officer and reorganised them, and consolidated on a line just west of CAPRON COPSE. His initiative and courage in the face of great danger were a splendid example to all ranks concerned.

KEKEWICH, 2/Lt. Stanley Buck R.F.A.

LA VACQUERIE, 30th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assisted his battery commander in man-handling the guns back when the ammunition was exhausted during an enemy attack. He set a splendid example of coolness and courage under heavy fire.

KELTY, Lieut. Stanley William 9/Liverpool (30/M.G.C.)

WERVICQ, 14th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. During the attack he twice went forward to reconnoitre the ground prior to the advance of his guns. When an enemy post was holding up our advance he crept forward to ascertain the strength with which it was held. He obtained most useful information concerning the enemy’s position, although persistently fired at by snipers and machine guns. Later, he took his guns boldly forward and had them in their consolidated positions within half an hour of the capture of the locality.

KENNEDY, Lieut. Cyril Arthur Reginald R.F.A. (Y/9/T.M.B.)

Near STEENBEEK, 15th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of mobile 6-in. mortar in close support of the infantry. When the attack began heavy enemy machine-gun fire was immediately opened on the mortar and its detachment. With great coolness and gallantry he continued to keep his mortar firing and render very material assistance in diminishing the enemy’s fire, and thus enabling the infantry to continue their advance.

KERCKHOVE, 2/Lt. Herbert Vincent 4/East Surrey

HAUSSY, 16th October, 1918. For gallantry and resourceful leading during the attack. After several attempts had failed to rescue a wounded man who was lying in front of our posts he crept out under heavy machine-gun fire and got the man in. Later, he organised a party of 10 men and surrounded an enemy post in a sunken road, which was inflicting great damage and casualties upon the attacking force, and succeeded in capturing the whole garrison of 60, with two trench mortars and two anti-tank rifles. His courage and coolness were admirable.

KERR, 2/Lt. John Vass 7/London

Near HANGARD, 24th April, 1918. This officer’s platoon was subjected to very heavy fire during an enemy attack, which drove back the troops on either flank. His determination encouraged his platoon to stand fast and pour a steady fire into the advancing enemy, causing them to bring up a large number of troops, supported by two tanks, against him. Although his men began to waver, he went round the platoon, regardless of personal danger, and rallied them at the critical moment by his example, so that not one of the enemy reached his post. But for his gallant stand a considerable amount of ground would have been lost.

KIDD, Lieut. Claude Bernard 15/Cheshire

Near EPEHY, 24th August, 1917. He did remarkably fine work when his company was holding a position for many hours from early morning till late at night, while heavily shelled. It was entirely due to his efforts that the men were kept together. He encouraged his men throughout the day, continually going up and down the trench. His conduct was splendid, and he set a fine example.

KING, 2/Lt. Bernand Ellis 10/Norfolk

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

KING, 2/Lt. Harry Norman 4/Loyal North Lancashire

Near CORDONNERIE, 29th July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when leading his platoon in a raid on the enemy trenches. After fierce hand-to-hand fighting, in which his platoon sergeant and four section leaders were all wounded, an enemy party superior in numbers appeared on his right. He at once collected his men, charged this party, and in a second hand-to-hand fight put them to flight. Although half his platoon had become casualties he remained out in “No Man’s Land” until ordered to retire, when he collected wounded and brought them in. His absolute contempt of danger and fine leadership so inspired his men that they completely routed a force of twice their strength.

KINGDON, 2/Lt. Frank Denys 29th Battery R.F.A.

SAPIGNIES, 25th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry. When heavy enemy fire killed two men and wounded several others of his battery he organised a stretcher party and got them to a place of safety under heavy shelling. By his example of coolness he kept the battery in action and saved several lives. Later, while observing under heavy enfilade fire, he showed marked devotion to duty, and kept up communication with his battery by visual, and got back valuable information.

[Illustration:

[pp. 45, 336

B. W. VANN, V.C.]

[Illustration:

_Copyright._]

DEFEAT OF THE PRUSSIAN GUARD AT NONNE BOSCHEN WOOD BY THE 2ND OXF. AND BUCKS L.I.

(From the picture by Capt. W. B. WOLLEN, in the possession of the Officers of the Battalion. By permission.)]

KNIGHT, 2/Lt. Alfred Ovenden 12/Loyal North Lancashire

GOUZEAUCOURT, 30th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the preliminary portion of the attack he showed great courage and exercised complete control over his company. On the enemy opening a heavy barrage, and while they were seen to be advancing, he ordered all the sections with which he could get into touch to retire, only leaving the position himself when the enemy were not more than 300 yards away. It was very largely due to his courage and skill that the whole company were extricated from a very awkward situation with very few casualties.

KNOWLES, 2/Lt. Roland Ernest R.G.A.

N.W. of HEBUTERNE, 5th April, 1918. Whilst on duty at the guns under heavy enemy bombardment he helped to rescue the wounded from a blown-in dug-out. He kept all the guns in action, moved from pit to pit with the greatest coolness, and personally assisted in serving the guns when short of men. He displayed fine courage, and set a high example by his behaviour.

LAING, 2/Lt. Ivan Coldstream Guards

Near GINCHY, 15/16 September, 1916. When he was the only officer left in his company, he reorganised his men, rushed forward through a heavy barrage, and remained out securing the front till ordered to withdraw.

LAMBERT, 2/Lt. Philip Felix 2/West Riding

FAMPOUX, 9th to 11th April, 1917. He displayed great courage and resource in taking command of his company in the advance. When the party was withdrawn at night he did good work in organising the defence of a captured trench; he set a fine example throughout.

LAMBDIN, Lieut. John Reginald 7/West Yorks (2/Durham L.I.)

Near ST. QUENTIN WOOD. For marked gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 17/18 September, 1918. He was sent to show the battalion guides the route to the assembly position. He took the party up and got shelled. Out of sixteen guides six came back, the remainder being killed. Although himself badly shaken, he returned to the battalion and, practically unaided, guided the companies into position. He then volunteered to take a message over ground swept by shell fire.

LAST, Capt. Ernest Reginald 1/Liverpool

VIMY RIDGE, 1/2 June, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry. He organised an assault on the enemy’s trenches, and displayed great coolness and an utter disregard of personal danger during the operation, which was carried out under a heavy hostile bombardment.

LAWLESS, Capt. Philip Henry 18/Middlesex

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

LEE, Capt. Reginald William 4/Essex

ALI-EL-MUNTAR, EGYPT, 26th March, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he went back under heavy machine gun and rifle fire at close range, collected and brought up reinforcements regardless of his own safety. He then organised and skilfully led the final assault from his part of the line.

LEECH, Lieut. Arthur William 6/Northumberland Fusiliers

Near HARBONNIERES, 27th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a counter-attack, when his commanding officer had become a casualty, he took command of the battalion and successfully led the attack to its objective, capturing two machine-guns and several prisoners. This successful counter-attack was instrumental in holding up the enemy at a critical moment, and great praise was due to this officer.

LE FEVRE, 2/Lt. Frank Ewart Bayliss 3/Lincoln

S.W. of LENS, 1st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an assault upon the enemy’s position. When the leading company was temporarily checked he pressed forward, killing many of the enemy, and personally taking a prisoner. When he could go no further he dug in. He afterwards made it his special mission to keep touch between the right and left companies, repeatedly passing over ground which was under fire, and showing a complete contempt for danger. His consistent coolness under fire has always set a magnificent example to his men.

LEITH, Lieut. George Hector 18/Machine Gun Corps

FORET DE MORMAL, 4th November, 1918. During the attack he handled his section of machine guns with great courage and skill under heavy machine-gun fire, enabling them to select positions of great value, from whence they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy, as well as to neutralise the enemy’s fire, and materially assisted the advance of the infantry. He has consistently done good work.

LEWIS, Capt. Francis Attwater 5/Welch

Awarded 11th April, 1918.

LEYBOURNE, Capt. Philip Edwin 8/Hampshire

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

BAR TO M.C.

S.E. of La CLYTTE, 8/9 August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership. He was the first to reach the objective on the front of the company of which he was in command. When the position had been gained he consolidated with skill and promptitude, in spite of many casualties, sending back valuable information to battalion headquarters. Throughout the operation his fine example had a great effect on his men.

LINDSAY, Lieut. Gordon Parmiter 2/Border

Near BAPAUME, January, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and initiative during a raid, and was the last to leave the enemy’s front line trench. Later he made a gallant attempt to rescue a wounded man.

LISTER, 2/Lt. Alfred Walton R.F.A.

FLEURBAIX, 9th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the battery position was being heavily shelled he helped to keep up the fire of his battery by running from one gun to another, passing orders. When the order was given to limber up he helped with the teams so that the guns were got away under shell and machine-gun fire. He worked day and night when he and another officer were the only two left with the battery, inspiring all ranks to do their utmost.

LLOYD-JONES, Lieut. John 2/Yorkshire

Awarded 1st January, 1916.

LOCKWOOD, Lieut. Eric Jardine 5/Essex

EGYPT, 19th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the attack on KEFR KASIN, he led his platoon with great dash, taking all his objectives on three successive positions in very difficult country. He set a very fine example to his men.

LONGBOTHAM, Lieut. Currer Benjamin 32/Northumberland Fusiliers

S.W. of ASIAGO, 15th June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. When his company commander had been killed he, though wounded in the head, commanded the company throughout the day, and only went to the Aid Post when ordered to do so by the commanding officer in the evening. He set a very fine example of grit and perseverance to his men.

LONGSTAFF, Capt. Ralph 8/East Yorks

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

LORD, 2/Lt. Gilbert Henry 5/Royal Lancaster

Near WIELTJE, 31st July to 2nd August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when all his officers and N.C.O.’s had become casualties and he himself was wounded in the hand. He took command of his company, and carried on under heavy shell fire and very adverse weather conditions, until he was again wounded in two places, displaying admirable courage and devotion to duty.

LORIMER, Capt. John Scott 1/Norfolk

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

LORT, 2/Lt. William Vincent 7/London

ALBERT SECTOR and “NO MAN’S LAND,” July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and ability in action. He and a N.C.O. went out to the help of a fighting patrol who had suffered severe casualties. He promptly organised stretcher parties, and made many journeys to and from the front line under heavy machine-gun fire, himself unaided carrying one man 100 yards. When all casualties were clear he twice attempted to rescue the Lewis gun and was wounded when nearly succeeding.

LOTT, Capt. Francis Albert 1/Welch (32/M.G.C.)

Near ORS, 4th November, 1918. For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty at the crossing of the OISE-SAMBRE CANAL. He carried out personal reconnaissance, and pushed his guns boldly forward before the attack. During the attack he opened an intense fire on enemy machine guns, and swept the points from which the bridging parties could be fired on. This made it possible for the canal to be bridged very quickly.

LOVELL, 2/Lt. Bertram Tank Corps

YPRES, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rendered most valuable assistance to the infantry, and when his tank had become badly ditched under heavy shell fire he formed two strong points with his crew, and kept them supplied with ammunition until he was wounded. He remained with his men in one of these strong points for over an hour, until he became so weak from loss of blood that the crew persuaded him to go back to the dressing station. He set a splendid example of pluck and devotion to duty.

LOVERIDGE, Capt. John Leonard 4/Royal Berks

HANGARD WOOD, 27/28 April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He made a reconnaissance under heavy enemy barrage, and next day led his section to the starting point, in spite of the fact that his tanks had been observed by the enemy and were submitted to heavy fire. Throughout he showed great coolness and initiative.

BAR TO M.C.

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

LUCAS, 2/Lt. Clifford James 7(17)London

E. of WULVERGHEM, 28th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Previous to the assault he had led daring reconnaissances of two craters, and in the assault, with the knowledge gained, he led his platoon round the first, killing the garrison, and then rushed the second. The same night he drove out nest after nest of machine-guns with his platoon, his energetic leadership inspiring his men with great confidence.

LYNE, Capt. Howard William 1/Yorkshire L.I.

S. of LE CATEAU, 17th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry during the operations. He led his company to the objective with energy and skill. Subsequently he found that the enemy threatened his left. He immediately formed a defensive flank, and under heavy fire held his ground throughout the day.

LYONS, Capt. Ernest Frederick 10/Devon

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

MCBAIN, 2/Lt. Hubert 2/Durham L.I.

MORCHIES, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a counter-attack and established a block in a trench at a very critical time. He held this position for four hours, and greatly assisted his battalion to maintain its position. He showed great fearlessness and devotion to duty. In the afternoon he was wounded.

MCCALL, 2/Lt. Archibald 4/K.O.S.B.

YPRES, 31st July and 1st August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the other officers of his company had become casualties he took command, and led them with the greatest gallantry and skill during the severe fighting which ensued, returning after the capture of each strong point and collecting more men, whom he led forward. While doing this gallant work he fell severely wounded in the head, having very materially assisted in the capture of the position.

MCCARTHY, 2/Lt. Thaddeus Francis 4/Loyal North Lancashire

WESTHOEK RIDGE, 10th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of the battalion carrying and ration parties he carried out his work with the greatest coolness and ability, and although by reason of the heavy shell fire it was of a most arduous and dangerous nature it was due to his exertions and personal supervision that rations arrived regularly. On another occasion during an attack he led his men forward with great coolness, setting a fine example to those around him. He afterwards took over and reorganised another company whose officers had all become casualties.

MACDONALD, Lieut. Kenneth 7/Seaforth Highlanders

N.E. of YPRES, 28th September to 3rd October, 1918. For most conspicuous gallantry and determined leadership during the operations. He led his company with great skill against the enemy positions on the BRODSEINDE RIDGE, and on more than one occasion captured parties of the enemy practically single-handed. His fearlessness inspired all ranks under him.

MCDOUGALL, Peter Aitken R.A.F.

In FRANCE, 19th February to 12th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He always showed great initiative and skill in attacking enemy aircraft, and drove down or destroyed several enemy machines. On one occasion while on patrol he encountered three enemy two-seater machines, and though his engine was giving trouble he attacked them single-handed and drove one of them down out of control, having shot the observer. On another occasion, after driving down an enemy machine, he attacked and silenced a battery of six guns which were firing on our machines. His example of pluck and determination was of the utmost value to the squadron.

MACFARLANE, 2/Lt. Donald Murray 19/Lancashire Fusiliers

Near ZONNEBEKE, 23rd October, 1917. On a wireless station being blown in by hostile shell fire he organised a rescue party from his platoon, which was quartered in adjacent dug-outs. In spite of heavy shell fire he succeeded in digging out six wounded men and had them carried back to a dressing station. By his prompt action and fine example of courage the lives of these men were saved.

MACINNES, 2/Lt. William Alexander 4/Highland L.I.