Part 22

BULLECOURT, 31st August, 1918. When his company commander was wounded shortly after the attack commenced he took command, and led his men with gallantry and resolution to their objective, where he held his position under difficult conditions and against determined efforts of the enemy to outflank and penetrate our line. His example of courage and able leadership largely contributed to the success achieved.

SHORT, Capt. John Rodwell 13/Yorkshire

Near VILLERS GUISLAIN, 14th March, 1917. Prior to the raid on the enemy trenches he made several personal reconnaissances of the enemy’s wire and positions, and it was largely owing to his gallantry and fine leadership that the attack was pressed home. The hostile trenches were entered, several of the enemy killed and two prisoners captured, at a time when identifications were of incalculable value. He had previously shown the greatest skill and judgment in organising, equipping and training his men for the raid, for the undoubted success of which he was largely responsible.

SHORT, 2/Lt. Harold 1/Loyal North Lancashire

N. of BAPAUME-CAMBRAI ROAD, 22nd March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his platoon through a heavy barrage to reinforce a corps line. On the succeeding days, and until he was wounded, he was a model of coolness and courage to his men, and his cheerfulness throughout the operations was of invaluable assistance to all ranks with him.

SIBREE, Capt. Herbert John Hyde 1/Norfolk

LONGUEVAL, 27th July, 1916, and FALFEMONT FARM, 4th September, 1916. When his company was held up by machine-gun fire, and he himself was wounded, he continued to move about under heavy fire reorganising his company until he was again wounded. On another occasion he led an attack which resulted in the capture of 100 prisoners.

SIMMONS, Capt. Frank Keith, _M.V.O._ 1/Artists: 2/Highland L.I.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

SIMPSON, 2/Lt. James Gordon 12/Royal Sussex

WYTSCHAETE, 16th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Under very heavy fire he successfully led his company in a counter-attack to their objective. He was twice wounded, but continued to encourage his men to advance. He set a fine example of devotion to duty and contempt for personal safety.

SINCLAIR, 2/Lt. Eric Russell Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Near YPRES, 20th September, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. Though wounded at the beginning of the attack he went forward and established his platoon in a good position on their objective. When heavily counter-attacked, he showed a fine example of courage and initiative which contributed largely to the repulse of the enemy.

SIZEN, 2/Lt. Reginald 6/Royal Fusiliers

BOURLON WOOD, 27th November to 3rd December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a platoon. His company commander having become a casualty during an attack, he took command, displaying great courage and skill in consolidating the posts at the objective, and suffering few casualties although the area was swept by heavy fire. He set a fine example of keenness and cheerfulness and was ever ready to grasp the situation, and act on it with rapidity and discretion.

BAR TO M.C.

E. of AUCHONVILLERS-AVELUY WOOD, 26th to 29th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in command of a platoon, and by his own personal gallantry and powers of leadership was instrumental in keeping his part of the line intact and breaking up enemy attacks. On another occasion, owing to casualties, he was placed in command of a company, with which he held the right of the line and carried out a most successful and difficult relief. He showed splendid powers of command, and set a very high example during a most trying period.

SKEVINGTON, Capt. Alan Percival 2/West Yorks (M.G.C.)

BOURLON WOOD and MOEUVRES, 29th November to 5th December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He performed most efficient and gallant service in the handling of his machine guns, and assisted materially in repelling an enemy attack. His guns were subjected to intense shell fire, and four of them were put out of action, but he held his position for eight days, setting his men a splendid example of determination and resource.

SKIPPON, 2/Lt. David Leslie 14/Tank Corps

Near VILLERS-LES-CAGNICOURT, September 2nd, 1918. His tank proceeded well ahead of the infantry, and in face of direct and accurate enemy field-gun fire he showed great determination in overcoming enemy resistance. He continued fighting his tank until it received several direct hits, himself and all his crew being badly wounded. The action of this officer’s tank was particularly gallant and useful.

SLANEY, 2/Lt. Arnold John Robinson 17/London

JERUSALEM, 8th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Leading his platoon on the directing flank of the assault, his courage and fine leadership enabled his men to carry the objective and advance beyond it on the heels of the retreating enemy, who suffered heavy casualties. Taking up a line with marked rapidity, he organised his defence with great skill, and from it inflicted further heavy casualties on the enemy, whose whole line gave way.

SLATER, Lieut. George Edward Herbert 1/Border

Near HOOGEMOLEN, 22nd October, 1918. For great gallantry and devotion to duty. He held his company together in the assembly position when subjected to heavy shell fire. Later, he led them to the assault and penetrated the enemy’s lines to a depth of 1,500 yards. With his strength reduced to 19 rifles, he held on for some time and then withdrew to a fresh position and consolidated.

SMART, 2/Lt. James Lamont 8/West Yorks (M.G.C.)

Near GAVRELLE, 23rd April, 1917 For conspicuous gallantry and skill in an attack, when he succeeded in getting all his guns into position under heavy fire, and inflicting very severe casualties on the enemy. He set a fine example of courage and initiative.

SMART, 2/Lt. William Pechey 5/Liverpool

Near ARMENTIERES, 7/8 February, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. He commanded a party which searched the enemy’s trenches and captured eight of the enemy and one machine gun. By his personal example of determination and courage he was responsible for the success achieved by his party. Before the raid he had reconnoitred “No Man’s Land” under enemy machine-gun fire, and obtained valuable information.

SMIRKE, Capt. Edward Alexander 7/Lancashire Fusiliers

TEMPLEUX QUARRIES, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a retirement, when he took command of the battalion, which he retained until wounded. By his cool leadership and personal disregard of all danger he held his men together in the most difficult circumstances, organising and leading counter-attacks continuously.

SMITH, Lieut. Arthur Wedgwood Gifford 7(2)Bedford

PREUX AU BOIS, 4th November, 1918. During the attack, while acting as battalion intelligence officer he showed great skill in marking out the route for the approach march and getting the battalion into position on a very dark night. Subsequently, when the situation was obscure, he went forward under heavy fire, and got in touch with all the companies, and established a report centre practically in the front line, sending back information which was invaluable in dealing with enemy strong points.

SMITH, 2/Lt. Ernest Rees Motor Machine Gun Corps

Near LA VACQUERIE, 1st December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the defence of our position, by his splendid example of courage and coolness, he undoubtedly saved some of the guns of a neighbouring brigade and effectively checked the enemy’s advance in that sector. After the guns had been got away he remained in defence of the positions. He sent in valuable information to the generals of two brigades, carried out machine-gun defence work, and greatly assisted in organising the infantry defence.

SMITH, 2/Lt. Frank Edward Corbitt Douglas 3/Durham L.I.

Near YPRES, 20th to 22nd September, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a counter-attack by the enemy he led his platoon forward out of the trenches, the better to meet the attack, and brought his left flank up so that the enemy were enfiladed and driven back in disorder. He set a fine example to his men throughout the operations.

SMITH, 2/Lt. George Ernest R.G.A.

Near MORCHIES, 15th April, 1917. He got his battery into action in spite of the most difficult conditions, and rendered invaluable assistance to the infantry at a critical time.

SMITH, Capt. Geoffery Hubert 1/Coldstream Guards

Near MOYENVILLE, 21st to 23rd August. 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and fine leadership in an attack through an impenetrable fog. On reaching the objective his company commander was killed. He at once took charge and reorganised the company, which was being heavily bombarded. Later he captured the final objective, and although his right flank was in the air he so disposed his command as to give very good security.

SMITH, 2/Lt. Gordon Richard 3/West Riding

Near ROBECQ, 18th July, 1918. For most gallant service in connection with a raid. Though severely wounded shortly after his Stokes mortars opened he urged his teams to continue firing. Four men were killed and one wounded besides himself, but owing to his indomitable spirit the survivors stuck it out and completed the firing. The barrage was most accurate, many enemy dead being found by the raiding party.

SMITH, Lieut. Morrison Churchill R.M.L.I.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

SMITH, Capt. Harold Rees M.G. Corps

Near GUEMAPPE, 23rd April, 1917. He commanded his tank in a most successful manner. He destroyed a machine-gun emplacement and several snipers’ posts, and later materially assisted in stemming the enemy advances.

SMITH, Lieut. Leslie Horace M.G. Corps

JONCOURT, 1st October, 1918. For great gallantry and good work. When two of his guns and teams were partly buried by enemy barrage prior to a counter-attack he extricated such of the men as had not become casualties. He then under very heavy fire pushed forward four guns to the advanced posts, and defended the exposed left flank of the brigade, engaging enemy parties at close range and effectively breaking them up.

SMITH, 2/Lt. Percy Landon 11/Royal Warwick

RIEZ DU VINAGE, 30th June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding a wave of a raiding party which successfully penetrated the enemy’s lines in daylight. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy, about 50 being killed and five taken prisoners. He was almost entirely responsible for the preliminary reconnaissance. He did splendid service.

SMITH, 2/Lt. Sydney Bernard Loyal North Lancashire

RICHEBOURG L’AVOUE, January, 1917. He carried out a dangerous reconnaissance of the enemy’s wire. Accompanied by another officer and N.C.O. he forced his way to the enemy’s trench. Later, although himself wounded, he assisted to carry a wounded man a distance of 250 yards.

SMITH, Capt. Walter Campbell 1/Artists

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

SMITH, Capt. William Leslie 2/Worcester

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

SMITHER, Capt. Samuel Thomas 10(17)London

S. of YPRES-COMINES CANAL, 7th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of a bombing party which was to co-operate with the tanks in the capture of a position. The tanks having failed to arrive at the right moment, he successfully took the position with a bombing party, and established communication with the battalion on his left, displaying great coolness and resource at a critical moment.

BAR TO M.C.

CONTALMAISON, 25th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy were pressing their attacks down a communication trench this officer, moving along the top of the parapet and using his revolver, himself led two counter-attacks which drove the enemy back. His courage and the determination with which he led his men undoubtedly produced this successful result.

SECOND BAR TO M.C.

Near MOISLAINS, 5/6 September, 1918. During the operations he displayed great gallantry and initiative in leading his company to the attack, and also in assisting the other company commanders, who were junior subalterns, in the reorganisation and consolidation. His contempt of danger set a fine example to those under him, and his clear reports of the situation were of the greatest assistance to his commanding officer.

SOLOMON, Staff-Capt. Jerrold Bernard 2/Oxford & Bucks L.I. (R.F.C.)

In FRANCE, 20th and 24th November, 1917. He carried out a patrol lasting nearly three hours in a very high wind and low clouds, flying at an average height of 500 ft., and brought back a valuable report. During the flight he attacked and drove down an enemy two-seater machine under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from the ground. He also made a valuable reconnaissance in very bad weather, flying at an average height of 100 ft. under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, in the course of which he engaged a hostile battery with his machine gun. He set a splendid example of courage and determination.

SOUTTEN, Major Arthur Camille 11/London

Near YPRES, 23rd September, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was on his way to a forward post alone when he saw a party of six of the enemy approaching. He covered them with his revolver and took them all prisoners.

BAR TO M.C.

CROZAT CANAL, 21/22 March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion in action when he went forward with four scouts to locate the position of the enemy. During the reconnaissance his four scouts were wounded, and it was only by crawling under heavy fire that he was able to take back information of the highest importance. His courage and determination were very marked.

SOWARD, 2/Lt. Frank 5/D.C.L.I.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

SPAFFORD, 2/Lt. Arnold Victor 3/West Riding

HAVRINCOURT, 15th to 18th September, 1918. When the company commander became a casualty this officer took charge, and led on with great skill and gallantry, securing the objective, which was strongly held by the enemy. For a time his advance was held up by machine guns, but after a personal reconnaissance he worked up a trench with bombing squads and Lewis gunners, and drove the enemy out with great loss.

SPENCER, 2/Lt. Joseph Thomas 8(2)London

E. of POZIERES, 19th September, 1918. For most conspicuous gallantry during the operations. This officer gallantly rallied his men under very heavy hostile machine-gun fire, rushed the machine-gun post, and succeeded in taking the crew prisoner. During this period he displayed an utter disregard of danger and inspired his men. He was subsequently wounded.

SPICER, 2/Lt. Edward Masters 4/East Lancashire

Near PASSCHENDAELE, 9th October, 1917. When in command of his platoon he was largely instrumental in repelling counter-attacks, and regained control over his men in very trying circumstances.

SPRAWSON, Capt. Evelyn Charles R.A.M.C.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

SPURRELL, Lieut, Richard Kenilworth 9/D.C.L.I.

Near ARRAS, 14th October, 1917. When he was in command of a section of a raiding party his section encountered severe opposition, but effected an entry by hand-to-hand fighting, during which he personally killed two of the enemy, his party taking eight prisoners. He had previously carried out two reconnaissances.

SQUIRE, 2/Lt. Edwin Ross 5/Lincoln

Near LENS, 1st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when commanding a flank company of an assault. Finding the enemy in a strong position and offering considerable resistance he at once organised his company for defence, and repulsed two counter-attacks. Throughout the day he held on to the positions he had taken, organising them in a very able manner under heavy fire of all kinds, and doing work which was extremely valuable, as well as being of an exceptionally difficult nature.

STAHL, Capt. Arthur R.F.A.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

STALMAN, Lieut. Alfred Claude 6/West Riding

Near BAILLEUL, 13th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack by the enemy this officer noticed a dangerous gap in our line on the flank of the brigade. He immediately counter-attacked with much gallantry under heavy fire, and although shot through the arm he succeeded in retaking and holding our original posts.

STANCLIFF, 2/Lt. Robert 2/London

BEAURAINS, 18/19 March, 1917. He led his platoon in a most gallant manner, and personally reconnoitred an enemy trench. Later he single-handed attacked and captured two of the enemy. He was subsequently wounded.

STATON, 2/Lt. William Ernest R.A.F.

In FRANCE, March, 1918. On one occasion, when on offensive patrol, he, by the skilful handling of his machine and accurate shooting, destroyed two enemy aeroplanes and brought down a third out of control. In addition, during the nine days previous to this, he had destroyed five other enemy machines, two of these being triplanes. The services which he has rendered have been exceptionally brilliant, and his skill and determination are deserving of the highest praise.

STEEL, 2/Lt. Edward Gerald 20/London

EAUCOURT L’ABBAYE, 1/4 October, 1916. He led his platoon with great courage and determination to their final objective. Later he consolidated and maintained his position for four days until relieved. He set a splendid example to his men.

STENTIFORD, Lieut. Ronald Hastings 5/Leicester (M.G.C.)

Near LENS, 8/9 June, 1917. He led his sub-section forward under heavy fire with great initiative and determination, and by his supporting fire at point blank range enabled the storming party to get forward. Later in the attack he covered the retirement with great skill, successfully accounting for 50 of the enemy, who were approaching over the open. He did not withdraw his guns until the last possible moment.

BAR TO M.C.

Near DICKEBUSCH, 7/9 May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer was in charge of a section of guns for three days’ fighting. After enduring a heavy bombardment, when both he and his men were suffering from the effects of gas, he accomplished a counter-attack in the evening. When the bulk of the infantry was checked he pressed on by using concealed approaches with a thin wave of infantry, and came into action just behind, filling a gap which might at any moment have been penetrated by the enemy. He showed the greatest coolness and judgment in getting his guns into position and checking the enemy.

STEPHENS, 2/Lt. George /Gloucester

Near BIACHES, 4th February, 1917. He handled his platoon with great gallantry, and materially assisted in repelling a strong enemy raiding party.

STEPHENS, 2/Lt. Kenneth Thomas 3/Worcester

MONT DE LILLE, 13th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a hostile attack he showed the greatest courage and initiative. With another officer he organised a counter-attack and drove the enemy back, inflicting heavy casualties.

STEPHENS, Capt. Warren Trestrail 6/Notts & Derby

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

STEVENS, 2/Lt. Cyril Parker 3/D.C.L.I.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

STEVENS, Capt. William Cecil 1/Worcester

Near YPRES, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During important operations he showed very quick grasp of the situation, and was of the greatest assistance to his commanding officer. On one occasion, when no orderlies were available, he himself carried an important message under very heavy shell fire with the utmost fearlessness and disregard of personal danger.

BAR TO M.C.

Near ST. CHRIST, N. of SOMME, from 22nd March to 2nd April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during 11 days of very severe fighting. Throughout the whole of this period, acting as adjutant, his untiring efforts were constantly directed to the handling of the battalion, and his fine example set a standard for all ranks, which enabled them to carry out the duties assigned to them. After his commanding officer had been wounded he assumed increased responsibilities with the greatest courage and resource, and the ability of the battalion to respond to the calls made on it at critical moments was largely due to his fine work.

SECOND BAR TO M.C.

TRESLON and SOULEUSE RIDGES, 27th May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. He did invaluable work in keeping men of his battalion together during severe fighting under heavy fire, when any lack of resolution would have been fatal to prospects of success. Two days later he was conspicuous by the way in which he helped to control the fight and reorganise defences during a long and hard-fought fight.

STEWART, Lieut. Oliver 9/Middlesex (R.F.C.)

Between BRUGES and OSTEND, 13th July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done consistent good work for six months, both on escorts and offensive patrols, and has displayed great fearlessness and skill during severe fighting at close range with enemy machines, successfully holding his own, although on several occasions outnumbered by them.

STEWART, 2/Lt. William Hinton 211th Siege Battery (R.G.A.)

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

STONE, Capt. William Herbert 1/Royal Warwick

Near MERVILLE, 28th June, 1918. During an attack he led his company with conspicuous gallantry and great dash to the capture of their objective. He then took a party with a Lewis gun in pursuit of the retreating enemy, on whom he inflicted severe losses. Having destroyed a bridge over the river he consolidated a selected position well in advance of the objective, and though badly wounded he continued to direct operations for some time. During all this time he was under heavy enemy machine-gun and sniping fire at short range.

STOREY, 2/Lt. Kenneth 2/Durham L.I.

HOOGE, 9th August, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry and skill when in command of bombing parties. He was seriously wounded while directing his men. The success of our attack and the subsequent holding of the position were largely due to the coolness and dash of the bomb throwers under 2/Lt. Storey.

STORM, 2/Lt. William George 5/York & Lancaster

THIEPVAL, 16/17 September, 1916. He led a party of volunteers in an attempt to surprise an enemy post. Though unsuccessful, owing to heavy machine-gun fire, he succeeded by fine leadership in bringing back the whole of his party, including the wounded. He himself was the last to return.

STOUT, Lieut. Frank Moxon 20/Hussars

HAIRPIN, 25/26 January, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry and resource. When he heard of an enemy working-party in the vicinity he took a corporal and light machine gun down a sap, mounted the corporal on his back to enable the latter to fire over the parapet, and opened fire. Later, mounted on the corporal’s back, Lieut. Stout opened fire, although by this time they had been discovered. Next morning 14 dead enemy were counted, and more must have been wounded.

STRATTON, 2/Lt. Gilbert Leonard R.F.A.

RAMADI, 11th July, 1917. When his section was subjected to intense and accurate fire from six hostile guns he worked with great courage and coolness, and succeeded in silencing two of them. Though exposed to the fiercest heat he displayed extraordinary energy throughout the day, and set a fine example of courage and determination to his section.

STRODE, Capt. Maurice 2/West Surrey

GHELUVELT, 26th October, 1917. When several battalions were held up by machine-gun fire, and many men of different units were without leaders owing to casualties, although he was on duty at battalion headquarters, he voluntarily went forward, and in spite of heavy fire got 100 men into a suitable defensive position.

BAR TO M.C.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

SULLIVAN, 2/Lt. Stanley Frederick /Gloucester

Near POELCAPPELLE, 9th October, 1917. When in command of his platoon during an attack he captured a concrete emplacement held by two enemy machine guns, and later assisted in capturing a strong point by working round its flank. He took out a patrol of six men to gain touch with the company on his right, and though three were killed he continued until he had gained touch.

SUTCLIFFE, Lieut. Fred 8/Hants

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

TAMBLYN, Capt. Horace William 181st Tunnelling Co. R.E.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

TAPPER, Capt. Michael John 1/Artists (Tank Corps)

This officer has acted as Staff Captain to the brigade since its formation on 1st February, 1917. Throughout the ARRAS battle, the operations in the YPRES SALIENT from 31st July to 20th October, and the CAMBRAI battle, he has shown the utmost untiring energy and capacity for organisation. The task of providing supplies, etc., has often been one of very great difficulty, but on no occasion has there been any failure in the arrangements he has made.