Part 20

NOYELLES, 21st November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Finding during a relief that strong parties of the enemy with machine guns were still in possession of a large part of the village, he immediately led his company forward, and with the help of two tanks cleared the enemy from the position, capturing about 20 prisoners and a large quantity of stores and war material.

MOSSMAN, 2/Lt. Harold Alexander 3/Royal Berks

POELCAPPELLE, 12th October, 1917. He kept the direction of the right flank of the battalion in an advance over heavily shelled ground. When his company reached its forward position he walked over the open, reorganising it and rallying some wavering troops, and keeping them under his command.

MUNRO, 2/Lt. Donald George 18/London

Near VERMELLES, 16th December, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry and ability at the Quarries. He was in command of a party of grenadiers in a very exposed position in the front line, and repulsed a succession of violent bomb attacks made by the enemy.

MUNT, Major Edsal R.F.A.

LANNOY, 4th May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. At dawn the enemy commenced a heavy bombardment on the battery position. As the battery was not firing, this officer decided to withdraw the detachments to a place of safety. While telephoning these instructions a shell burst in the roof over his head, bringing the brickwork on the top of him and burying him. He crawled out, trying to get to the guns, when another shell burst close by, again burying him. He managed to crawl out, and though much shaken, got to the guns and superintended their withdrawal. The bombardment continued for an hour, and it was due to his action that only one man was wounded.

MURCH, 2/Lt. Alfred Henry 11/Royal Warwick

DACAUT WOOD, 15th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He was in charge of an advanced post. Seeing that the advancing troops would be held up by the wire in front he went out with one man under heavy machine-gun fire and commenced to cut it. He continued this work until badly wounded.

MURRANE, Capt. Hugh Dudley 6/Royal Lancaster

Awarded 3rd March, 1919.

MURRAY, 2/Lt. George R.F.C.

Awarded 18th December, 1917.

NEEDHAM, Lieut. Leslie William 20/London

EAUCOURT L’ABBAYE, 1st & 4th October, 1916. He led his men with great courage and initiative, capturing the objective. Later, he consolidated and maintained his position. He set a splendid example throughout.

NELSON, 2/Lt. Lewis Archibald 2/Leicester

S. of NEUVILLE VITASSE, 9th April, 1917. He rendered valuable assistance to the infantry, making gaps in the wire and clearing the enemy trench, thus saving many casualties. Later, he reached his objective entirely unsupported, and remained in action for four hours.

NETHERCOT, 2/Lt. Robert Pinkerton 8/West Yorks

ECOUST, 3rd May, 1917. Although wounded in three places, he rallied his men and led them forward in the face of very heavy hostile fire.

NEWBERRY, 2/Lt. Thomas Frederick Machine Gun Corps

Awarded 30th January, 1920.

NEWLAND, Lieut. Arthur Mansfield Coldstream Guards

PILCKEN RIDGE, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his company commander was killed he took command and led his men to their objective with the greatest gallantry and skill, afterwards organising his defence under heavy machine-gun fire, with complete disregard of his own personal safety, setting a splendid example to all ranks.

NEWMAN, 2/Lt. Arthur James R.G.A.

Near HOLLEBEKE, 15th September, 1917. When it was reported that one of the dug-outs near the gun had been blown in, he dashed out under heavy fire, organised a party, extricated the occupants, two of whom were killed, and got away a wounded man.

NEWTON, 2/Lt. Clement Vaughan 9/Royal Sussex

VERHAEST FARM, 7th June, 1917. After leading his company with great determination and courage to its objective, he showed skill and fearlessness in consolidating, personally leading out his covering parties and fearlessly exposing himself to machine-gun and rifle fire, in order to supervise and encourage the work. He held his line for four days, setting a fine example to his men.

NEWTON, Capt. William Godfrey 1/Artists (23/London)

Near FLERS, 18th September, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He placed a lamp in the open to guide a night assault. Later, although wounded, he rallied the men round him and bombed the enemy with great courage and determination. He set a fine example.

NICOL, 2/Lt. Ian Sinclair R.F.A.

CHAULNES, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer was forward observation officer on a critical occasion. He got most valuable information throughout the day, and when the infantry was retiring he rallied stragglers and sent them back into the firing line, restoring a threatening situation.

NICHOLLS, 2/Lt. Edward John 7/Royal Warwick

S.E. of POELCAPPELLE, 4th October, 1917. When the right flank of his company was held up by heavy machine-gun fire during an advance, and the company commander was killed, he took command and led an attack on the machine gun, which he captured, putting the entire team out of action. He then led his men forward and captured his objective, setting a splendid example of courage and determination.

NICKSON, 2/Lt. George Bernard R.G.A.

Near YPRES, 18th September, 1917. When a truck containing ten tons of H.E. shells and cartridges was set on fire, with the help of four men he uncoupled the burning truck, pushed it clear, and then succeeded in extinguishing the fire.

NIMMO, Capt. William Wilson R.F.A.

Near VLAMERTINGTHE CHATEAU, 19th August, 1917. A bomb was dropped by an enemy aeroplane on an ammunition dump, and set fire to some boxes and camouflage. He, accompanied by the battery sergeant-major, at once ran to the place and separated the burning boxes and camouflage, which was burning on the top of boxes containing live rounds. There is no doubt that by his prompt action he saved a large number of rounds from being destroyed, and also prevented many casualties.

NORMAN, 2/Lt. Sigurd Oswald 19/Notts & Derby (M.G.C.)

FEUCHY CHAPEL, 10th April, 1917. He fought his tank with the greatest skill and energy, locating and silencing several enemy machine guns, and later, unsupported, he passed through the enemy lines and dealt with many targets.

NYE, Lieut. Frederick 18/Middlesex

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

OAKEY, 2/Lt. John Martin 7th Rifle Brigade (R.E.)

BULLICOURT, April, 1917. When in command of four trench mortar batteries he carried out a most successful piece of work. Two thousand rounds of ammunition had to be carried a distance of 2,500 yards. This was successfully accomplished, in spite of enemy fire and the difficulty of working over open ground at night.

O’BRIEN, Lieut. James 2/D.C.L.I.

SALONIKA. He carried a message under very heavy fire. He later displayed great courage and coolness in going back to organise and direct bearer parties.

O’DONOVAN, Capt. Robert Anthony 1/Worcester

MOISLAINS RIDGE, 4/5 March, 1917. He performed consistent good work throughout the day, and was largely responsible for the success of the operations. He set a splendid example of courage and determination.

BAR TO M.C.

S. of OPPY, 6th October, 1819. For most conspicuous gallantry and good work. He carried out a daring and highly successful raid with his company, capturing an enemy’s strong point, with four machine guns and 38 prisoners. He himself was first into the position. It was entirely due to his able leadership that the position was captured and the way cleared for a further successful advance during the day by other companies on his left.

OGDEN, Lieut. William Edward 5/Manchester

E. of YPRES, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack in leading forward a platoon that had lost its commander and its direction. It was due to his fine leadership and disregard of personal danger that the final objective was captured.

OLDFIELD, Capt. Reginald Theodore 2/Bedford

S. of BRAY CORBIE ROAD, 6th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. Finding that the enemy were occupying the trench immediately on his flank, he made an effective bomb block, and at the same time moved a section of his platoon to prevent the enemy moving round his flank. He effectively beat off the attack, and finally forced the enemy completely out of the support system. His gallant and able leadership prevented a serious penetration of the line at this point.

BAR TO M.C.

E. of RONSSOY, 21st September, 1918. He was in command of an assaulting company, which had both flanks exposed. After making a thorough reconnaissance of the country round QUENCHETTES WOOD, locating the enemy’s positions accurately, he, with the co-operation of four machine guns, then led two successful bombing attacks up DUNCAN AVENUE and POT LANE, which enabled him to get in touch with units on both flanks and clean up a large body of the enemy.

OLVER, Lieut. John Dennis Circuit R.A. (T.M.B.)

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

ORMISTON, 2/Lt. Walter Hugh 13/London

Near MOEUVRES, 21st November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon was held up by hostile machine-gun fire he rushed forward to a gap in the wire, but, being left with only five men, he withdrew and brought them safely back. Though slightly wounded and badly shaken by a bomb in an enemy bombing attack he remained at his post until the battalion was relieved two days later.

OSTLE, Capt. Henry Knight Eaton 1/Artists (2/Border)

Awarded 1st January, 1916.

OSWALD, Lieut. Harold Robert 4(13)Welch

N. of LE CATEAU, 19th to 21st October, 1918. For great gallantry and initiative before and during the attack. He was indefatigable on the 19/20 October in carrying out reconnaissances across the RIVER SELLE in face of the enemy, who was holding positions on the east bank in great strength. During the attack he rushed an enemy machine gun with a few men whom he collected, killing the crew and capturing the gun.

OVERTON-JONES, Lieut. Edward Coldstream Guards

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

OWEN, Lieut. Malcolm de Brissac 1/Hertford

S.E. of HAVRINCOURT, 18/19 September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer was in command of the right front company when the enemy broke in at two points, but, by skilful handling of the supporting platoons, he stopped them from advancing further than the front line. He then made a daring reconnaissance under heavy machine-gun fire, and, organising a counter-attack, drove the enemy out again from one of the points. The next day he counter-attacked the other point, and succeeded in completely restoring the line.

OWEN, 2/Lt. Wilfred Edward Salter 5/Manchester

FONSOMME LINE, 1/2 October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack. On the company commander becoming a casualty he assumed command and showed fine leadership, and resisted a heavy counter-attack. He personally manipulated a captured enemy machine gun from an isolated position, and inflicted considerable losses on the enemy. Throughout he behaved most gallantly.

OWERS, 2/Lt. Frederick Thomas 13/London

BOURLON WOOD, 2nd to 4th December, 1917. GRAINCOURT, 11th December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of advanced posts during lengthy operations. On one occasion he was bombed and fired on the whole day, but maintained his position. Later, when surrounded on three sides, he withdrew his platoon under orders, but after dark he reoccupied the post, and handed it over intact to the relieving unit.

PADDLE, 2/Lt. Kenneth Cecil Lawrence R.G.A.

Near GIVENCHY, 2nd November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as forward observation officer in a very exposed position in the front trenches. Owing to the enemy’s heavy fire one officer was wounded and two men were killed close to him, and although the enemy sent over a large number of trench mortar bombs whenever he ordered his battery to open fire, he persisted with his duties until his task had been completed.

PAINE, 2/Lt. George Gordon 2/Royal Berks

Awarded 1st January, 1916.

PALMER, 2/Lt. Percy Reginald 12/Royal Welch Fusiliers (Leicester)

Near HULLUCH, 12/13 February, 1917. He displayed great courage and determination in firing a torpedo under most difficult conditions. Later, he rescued two wounded men.

PARK, 2/Lt. Ronald Hubert Mungo Irish Guards

Near LANGEMARCKE, 9th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a section of machine guns which he established in a well-chosen position from which to bring in direct fire upon the enemy’s approaches. He worked untiringly to establish a large reserve of ammunition, and when the enemy counter-attacked they were twice subjected to a heavy fire from his guns.

PARKER, Major John Amplett R.E.

Near MERVILLE, 11th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His field company was digging a system of posts when the enemy attacked. He manned the posts with his men and a few other troops, and held the position for some time against determined attacks, showing great coolness under heavy machine-gun fire. He was severely wounded.

PARKIN, 2/Lt. John R.G.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

PARKES, Lieut. George Henry 3rd Reserve Cavalry (13/Hussars)

Near HADRANIYAH, Mesopotamia, 29th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In an assault on a strongly entrenched plateau he was in command of the Hotchkiss guns, and by his marked personal courage and skilful handling of them under fire, cleared the right flank of the enemy and undoubtedly saved the regiment many casualties.

PASSINGHAM, 2/Lt. Edward George 1/Northumberland Fusiliers

Near ARRAS, 20th March, 1917. He led a raiding party with great courage and determination through uncut wire, and succeeded in entering the enemy’s front-line trenches, where he personally shot three of the enemy.

PATERSON, 2/Lt. Frank James 4/London

PEIZIERE, 10th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and dashing leadership. This officer was detailed to mop-up part of the village. Although badly held up by enemy machine-gun fire he led his platoon on and showed great initiative, and set a splendid example by rushing two enemy machine guns, which he captured, killing the crews of both. In the attempt he was wounded, but carried on until his platoon had completed its task, and were definitely established on the objective.

PAYTON, 2/Lt. Sidney 15/Tank Corps

VRAU-VRAUCOURT, 31st August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and determination while in command of a tank. Ahead of other tanks and without infantry support he attacked and cleared machine-gun nests, killing several of the crews, and then, with his corporal, he entered dug-outs and took more prisoners. Later, while still ahead, he silenced another machine gun and took the crew prisoners. He was in action for seven hours and set a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty.

PEAL, Lieut. Arthur Francis Henry 5/York & Lancaster (148th T.M.B.)

YPRES, 28/29 June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of two mortars which were taken out into “No Man’s Land” during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. Immediately the operation started enemy shelling became heavy, together with rifle and machine-gun fire; and soon afterwards one mortar became useless owing to a damaged striker. He personally remedied the defect and brought the mortar into action again immediately. By his fine example of coolness and determination he kept his mortars firing exactly to time, each of which expended 80 rounds.

BAR TO M.C.

HASPRES, 13th October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry in action whilst in command of the trench mortar section. He worked his gun forward with the greatest courage and determination, covering the advance of the leading companies, and later, when the enemy counter-attacked, although portions of the gun mountings were missing through casualties, he continued to fire the mortars until forced to withdraw.

[Illustration:

[pp. 44, 357.

A. J. T. FLEMING-SANDES, V.C.]

[Illustration:

Recapture of British Tank from the enemy at Seranvillers. Oct. 8^{th.} 1918

Sketch by Capt. Paget who was attached to Tank Corps & was on the spot the same day.]

PEARSON, 2/Lt. William George Frederick 8/Royal Sussex

PREUX, 4th November, 1918. He showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst employed on the repair of forward roads. In the face of heavy machine-gun fire he made the necessary reconnaissance of the road, and the road was pushed forward, and finally completed, under very difficult conditions.

PEGRAM, Capt. Charles Ernest 17/Rifle Brigade

PASSCHENDAELE, 1/2 December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He formed up his company at the assembly position although the enemy were sniping from an advanced post fifty yards away, and led them to the attack under intense machine-gun fire. When most of his men had become casualties and his left flank was in the air, he formed a defensive flank and established touch with the unit on his left.

PERL, Capt. Bernard Huson Artists: 5/Royal Lancaster

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

PERROTT, 2/Lt. Eustace Stroud 8/London (1/Artists)

THILLOY, 27th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the situation in front of a village was obscure this officer went forward through heavy machine-gun fire and obtained information of the greatest value to his company commander, and remained out well in advance, sending in information till he was wounded.

PETHERBRIDGE, Capt. Charles Arthur 2(17)Royal Scots

ZILLEBEKE, to E. of COURTRAI, 28th September to 20th October, 1918. For continuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a month’s fighting. He was acting as adjutant, and was at all times in the fighting zone. He carried out his work at all times with zeal and energy. He was invaluable to his battalion commander, and by his actions and courage inspired all ranks.

PHEYSEY, 2/Lt. John Edward R.F.A.

YPRES, 14th July, 1917. When getting ammunition forward to the guns, in spite of his having already made three journeys in 48 hours under heavy shell fire, a distance of eight miles each time, he volunteered to make a fourth, in the course of which he was severely wounded. He displayed the finest devotion and very great coolness whilst carrying out this duty, and set a splendid example to officers and men.

PHILLIPS, 2/Lt. Fenton Ellis Stanley R.F.C.

GINCHY, 3rd September, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has done fine contact patrol work. On one occasion he came down to a low altitude while making a report, and his machine was much damaged by rifle and machine-gun fire, but he carried on and successfully put our artillery on to the enemy, who were massing for a counter-attack.

PIERCE, Lieut. Alfred 283rd Siege Battery R.G.A.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

PILE, 2/Lt. Samuel John Haughton 13/Middlesex

Near LOOS, January, 1917. During a raid on the enemy’s trenches he completely overcame the resistance of the enemy by shooting their leaders. He led his party beyond their objective, and later effected a skilful withdrawal.

PITCHER, Lieut. Walter Henry Blythe Coldstream Guards

BROEMBEKE, 9th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company and maintaining direction under most difficult circumstances. During a counter-attack he displayed great initiative, altering his positions to make a defensive flank, which proved of the utmost value.

PITTS, 2/Lt. Arthur Walter R.A.S.C.

Awarded 3rd June, 1917.

PLATT, 2/Lt. Oswald Gordon 5/Yorkshire L.I.

HINDENBURG LINE, 3rd May, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during an attack. His seniors becoming casualties very early he assumed command, rallying wavering troops of various units, establishing a position and holding it under intense fire until it became untenable. He was the last to retire. Twice before he has been recommended for great gallantry.

POCOCK, 2/Lt. Reginald William R.F.A.

Near BOESINGHE, 12th October, 1917. When in command of a party of trench mortars under heavy shell fire he constructed a track and succeeded in bringing into action three guns which were badly bogged in shell-holes, and then assisted in bringing up ammunition.

PODD, Capt. Jack Kenneth 2/West Yorks

Near ETTERPIGNY, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After the battalion had launched a counter-attack he pushed forward to a very advanced position and sent back excellent reports containing most valuable information, which he could only get at considerable risk. Later he displayed great courage and resource in reforming troops who had been driven back, and re-establishing a line. In these operations he was wounded.

POGUE, 2/Lt. Reginald Thomas 6/Dorset (Tank Corps)

WARVILLERS, 3rd to 9th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry with his tank in clearing the way, and thus enabling the infantry to advance practically without loss. He inflicted severe casualties on enemy machine-gunners, and was largely responsible for the capture of prisoners. In action, four times within the week, he set a splendid example, and always kept his tank tuned up for emergency.

POLL, Lieut. Dudley Erskine 24/London

ST. PIERRE VAAST WOOD, September 2nd, 1918. For most conspicuous gallantry and initiative. Whilst on the ridge in front of Vaux Wood he crawled over the open to the rear to bring up reinforcements, although absolutely exposed to intense rifle and machine-gun fire. He personally posted the reinforcements on the exposed flank and thus relieved the danger of a flank attack against the position on the ridge. Throughout the operations he set a fine example to all ranks.

POTHECARY, Lieut. Herbert Martin Rixson 8/West Yorks

DICKEBUSCH LAKE, 14th July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. When all the officers of his company had become casualties he assumed command, and, though wounded, he led them on and captured his final objective. He remained with the front line company until the battalion was relieved. He displayed great courage, ability, and devotion to duty.

POTTS, Capt. Joseph Harold 23/London

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

POWELL, 2/Lt. Laurence R.F.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

POWER, Capt. Charles Montague 2/Scottish Rifles

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

PRATT, Capt. Harold Douglas 2/London

Near CROISILLES, 27th August, 1918. He carried out a reconnaissance on the flank of the battalion with great skill, and obtained such successful results that, owing to his information, the artillery were able to concentrate on a large body of enemy who were assembling for a counter-attack, and dispersed them with very heavy loss. He was later on wounded in three places by the explosion of a shell as he was attacking a machine gun that was causing casualties. His gallantry and ability were conspicuous and he rendered most valuable service.

PRESTON, 2/Lt. John Frank 7/London

Near YPRES, 7th June, 1917. He led his platoon twice to the attack of a position, which was finally captured, together with 80 prisoners. His resolute leading and courageous behaviour were of the highest assistance in bringing about a successful result.

PROSSER, Capt. Arthur Edward 1/Worcester

S. of OPPY, 7th October, 1918. During the afternoon he brought forward two of his platoons into the ROUVROY-FRESNES line, and led them through advanced troops which were hung up and captured a further 1,000 yards of the line. He himself rushed two machine guns which were enfilading our troops, and captured seventeen prisoners. His splendid example, courage and leadership enabled touch to be gained all along the line. Later in the evening he himself pushed forward into Neuvireul and captured two heavy trench mortars which had been causing many casualties to the battalion on his left.

PULLINGER, 2/Lt. Charles Edward 7/K.R.R.C.

WANCOURT, 10th April, 1917. He took command of the company at a very critical time, although he himself was wounded. In the face of heavy fire of all kinds he collected and reorganised the company, and successfully consolidated his position.

PULLMAN, Capt. Harold John Bucks Bn./Oxford & Bucks L.I.

ST. JULIEN, 16th August, 1917. He led his company with great skill and determination in an attack. When two preceeding waves were held up, he sent up flanking parties and rushed the enemy blockhouses. He reformed his company and proceeded towards his objective.

PURVES, 2/Lt. John Murdow R.F.A.