Part 23
TAPLIN, Capt. George Aubrey 65th Siege Battalion (R.G.A.)
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
TAPPLY, Capt. Mark 10/Norfolk
Near ALBERT, 26/27 March, 1918. During the enemy attack he rushed forward, and by his coolness and courage inspired such confidence in his men whose officers were casualties that a new line was established. On the following day, when the enemy were about to attack a detached post, he collected reinforcements and led them to the post, which he found to be surrounded by the enemy. Cutting his way through the enemy he succeeded in establishing a fresh position from which the enemy could be checked. His courage, skill and initiative were most conspicuous.
TARRANT, 2/Lt. Henry Geoffrey Nelson 6/Royal Berks
Near MIRAUMONT TRENCH, 17th February, 1917. He pushed home the attack with such determination that, in spite of weak numbers, he succeeded in capturing 70 prisoners. He finally got in touch with the unit on his left, and consolidated the position he had gained.
TAUTZ, 2/Lt. Reginald Hugh 10/Manchester (Loyal N. Lancs)
Near NIELTZE, 19/20 May, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party. Finding the gap, previously cut, had been repaired, he cut his way through under fire and cleared 70 yards of enemy trench, displaying the greatest determination and courage.
TAYLOR, Capt. Bruce Mitchell 1/D.C.L.I.
Awarded 14th January, 1916.
BAR TO M.C.
GIVENCHY SECTOR, 6/7 February, 1917. During a raid on the enemy’s trenches he directed the operations with marked skill, and set a splendid example to all ranks.
TAYLOR, Lieut. Ernest Reginald 7/Essex
Near HOLLEBEKE, 26th July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when battalion signalling officer. When his headquarters were heavily shelled and set on fire he remained behind at great personal risk to collect his instruments and disconnect the telephone, although he well knew that the ammunition stored there might explode at any moment. The dug-out blew up very shortly afterwards, and he then went to another station under very heavy shell fire and sent back valuable information to the brigade.
TAYLOR, 2/Lt. George Arthur 4/Lancaster
Near YPRES, 20th September, 1917. He led his company with the greatest gallantry and resource, personally initiating and carrying out a successful assault upon an enemy strong point. He reached his objective and carried out consolidation in spite of heavy fire. He was a constant example of courage and determination to his company.
TAYLOR, Lieut. Leslie Francis 1/K.R.R.C.
VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, 26th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He brought a machine gun and team into a position which enfiladed the enemy’s attack, and, driving them back, caused their capture by another party. His section then remained in position on a railway embankment, preventing any penetration by the enemy.
TERRY, Capt. Sidney Frederick 1/Wilts
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
THOMAS, 2/Lt. Lewis John 4(15)Welch
MORVAL, 1st September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative in an assault. He led his company with the greatest dash, and accounted for nine machine guns and their teams. Single-handed, when on one occasion separated from his company, he effected the capture of 15 of the enemy, whom he forced to surrender while he covered the entrance of the dug-out. He showed splendid courage and determination.
THOMAS, Lieut. Robert William 7/London
Near BOURLON WOOD, 2/3 December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a night attack. All the other officers of the company were wounded, and owing to darkness and heavy hostile fire entrenching became a matter of great difficulty. He displayed great skill and coolness in establishing communication with the troops on either flank and getting his men well dug in before daylight.
THOMAS, 2/Lt. Thomas R.G.A.
ASIAGO PLATEAU, 15th June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took two linesmen over two miles along heavily-shelled roads and re-established communication after the telephone lines had been cut. Throughout the day he showed complete disregard of danger.
THOMPSON, Capt. Arnold John Adjutant 1/Scots Guards
Awarded 3rd June, 1917.
THOMPSON, Capt. Claude Ernest 2/South Lancashire
Awarded 3rd June, 1916.
BAR TO M.C.
WIELTZE, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having gone forward to clear up the situation he found it was critical owing to the enemy envelopment of our left flank. He promptly organised a defensive flank, which held out long enough to save a large portion of the brigade from being cut off. It was due to his ability and promptness that a disaster was averted, and his good staff work contributed very largely to the success of the whole operation.
THOMPSON, Capt. George Kenneth 5/East Lancashire (9/Yorks)
RUE DU BOIS, on night of 31st December, 1915, and 1st January, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry and ability. Although hampered by searchlights and Verey lights, he led, with great dash and determination, a successful attack on the enemy trenches.
BAR TO M.C.
CONTALMAISON, 10th July, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led the first line in the attack with great dash, and though wounded stuck to his duty and continued to do fine work until midnight, when he was ordered back with a message. He was then sent to hospital.
THOMSON, Lieut. George Gordon 3/Gloucester
Near MORLANCOURT, 8th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. As battalion signalling officer he kept up communication with companies, on one occasion repairing the wire under intense shell fire. When the adjutant became a casualty he assumed his duties, and it was largely due to his energy and fine example that the troops were quickly reorganised and the line firmly established.
THORNE, Lieut. Alfred John Parker West Lancashire Div. Eng. (R.E.)
Near YPRES, 20th September, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in constantly going backwards and forwards under heavy shell and snipers’ fire to ensure the consolidation of two points. It was largely due to his fine example and contempt for danger that the work was so rapidly and successfully completed. He has shown a fine example of coolness and courage on many occasions.
BAR TO M.C.
Near MESPLAUX FARM, 9th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when detailed to reconnoitre a bridge which had been unsatisfactorily demolished. Despite an enemy machine gun directed on the bridge he made his reconnaissance, returning for explosives, and then assisted in placing and firing the charges. His coolness was largely responsible for the satisfactory demolition of this bridge, which the enemy were known to be within 30 yards of.
THORNE, Capt. Philip Howard R.E.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
TIDDY, 2/Lt. Eric William Lacey /Gloucester
KNOLL, 24/25 April, 1917. The two companies on his left overshot their objective, and were cut off. He displayed great bravery and judgment in moving his company to such a position as to be able to finally hand over a continuous line. He set a fine example throughout.
TIDY, Capt. Warwick Edward 9/Manchester
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
TILLEY, Capt. John Ernest 12/Hampshire
HAMEL, 28th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, both in command of his company and also temporarily in command of the battalion, when he led a successful counter-attack after a day and night of intense bombardment, during which the battalion suffered heavy losses. He set a fine example to officers and men by his courage and initiative.
TOMLING, Flying-Officer George Gibson R.A.F.
Awarded 12th February, 1919.
TOTTON, Capt. Arthur Knyvett 1/D.C.L.I.
GUILLEMONT, 3rd September, 1916. Though wounded early in the day he led on to the first objective, where he bombed the enemy dug-outs, and was again hit by a bomb. He then went on to the second objective, being wounded a third time on the way.
TOWER, 2/Lt. Herbert George Eric 3/Norfolk
AVION, 23/24 April, 1917. He carried out a dangerous reconnaissance in order to report on the enemy’s wire, and later attacked with his company, and although severely wounded he continued to direct and encourage all ranks with him.
TREACHER, 2/Lt. Henry 9/Royal Surrey
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
BAR TO M.C.
MARBAUT, 20th July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. He went with his runner to the flank of the company that was being enfiladed by machine-gun fire, and, working forward under heavy fire, killed the gunner with a bomb and captured the gun. His skill and dash were worthy of great praise and saved many casualties.
TRELOAR, Capt. George Devine, _D.S.O._ Coldstream Guards
FONTAINE NOTRE DAME, 27th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in an attack with great skill and daring to the furthest objective under intense fire, consolidated his position, and repulsed three counter-attacks. When the enemy got round his flank, which had become exposed, he carried out a masterly withdrawal, inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. He established a defensive position, and collected troops of all units to join in the defence. He showed magnificent energy, leadership and courage.
TRERY, Lieut. Norman Horace 504th (Wessex) Field Coy., R.E.
RIVER ESCAUT, near ESPAIN. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the night of 26/27 October, 1918, whilst charged with making and launching rafts across the river. The work throughout was subjected to heavy fire, and his party was driven off it several times. At length he called for volunteers and succeeded in launching the raft, crossing to the enemy bank and making fast the tow rope.
TRIMM, 2/Lt. Charles Algernon R.F.A.
POTYZE, 19th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when the battery position was being heavily shelled. The camouflage of two guns caught fire, and this officer at once ran out and, filling buckets from adjacent shell-holes, succeeded in extinguishing the fire, although the sandbags around the guns had caught alight. After he had got under cover he saw that an ammunition dump had been hit and was alight, and he, accompanied by a gunner, again went out to extinguish the fire.
TROHEAR, 2/Lt. Thomas 3/Notts & Derby
Near RIBECOURT, 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He crossed difficult country six times under heavy fire to keep touch with the company on his left. On arrival at the objective he led the way down an enemy dug-out and captured two officers and 15 other ranks.
TUNSTALL, Capt. the Rev. James Thomas Royal Army Chaplain’s Dept. (1/Lincoln)
Near YPRES, 4/5 October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in dressing the wounded, succouring the dying, and burying the dead under fire. On two occasions when the aid post in which he was working was blown in he succeeded in extricating all the wounded, although under heavy fire.
BAR TO M.C.
OVILLERS, 23/24 October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty tending and evacuating wounded during the attacks. He followed close behind the leading troops throughout the attack, and by collecting and locating wounded under heavy shell fire, and by bringing ambulances forward, was personally responsible for the evacuation of large numbers of casualties.
TURNBULL, Capt. Maxwell 3/Border
Awarded 3rd June, 1918.
TURNER, 2/Lt. Alfred Hartin 9(8) E. Surrey (55th T.M.B.)
ALBERT, 22nd August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during the attack when in charge of a section of light trench mortars. He kept his guns in action for an hour at zero under heavy shelling, and then took them forward, bringing them to bear on an enemy machine-gun post, which he destroyed. Later he again moved them up and assisted the front line troops, his initiative being of great assistance.
TURNER, Lieut. Harold Keynes 2/Shropshire L.I.
Awarded 1st January, 1916.
UMBERS, Lieut. John Ludford 4/Northumberland Fusiliers
Near ASIAGO, 15th June, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. He was responsible for obtaining much valuable information concerning the enemy’s movements throughout the day under heavy shell fire, and thus enabled the various situations to be dealt with rapidly and successfully. He did valuable service.
VANN, Capt. Bernard William 8/Notts & Derby
For conspicuous gallantry on several occasions:--
KEMMEL, 24th April, 1915. When a small advanced trench which he occupied was blown in, and he himself wounded and half buried, he showed the greatest determination in organising the defence and rescuing buried men under heavy fire. Although wounded and severely bruised, he refused to leave his post till directly ordered to do so.
YPRES, 31st July and subsequent days, he ably assisted another officer to hold the left trench of the line, setting a fine example to those around him. He was slightly wounded. On various occasions he has led patrols up to the enemy’s trenches and obtained valuable information.
BAR TO M.C.
BLAIRVILLE, 21/22 September, 1916. He led a daring raid against the enemy’s trenches, himself taking five prisoners and displaying great courage and determination. He has on many previous occasions done fine work.
VAUGHAN, Lieut. Edwin Stephen C. 8/Royal Warwick
LANDRECIES, 4th November, 1918. During the attack he displayed great courage and determination. In face of strong opposition he led his men forward to their objective, resulting in the capture of the bridge across the canal before the enemy could destroy it. Later, during the advance towards MAROILLES, 5/6 November, he again did good work.
VERGETTE, 2/Lt. George R.F.A.
HEUDECOURT, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When the battery wagon lines came under heavy shell and gas shell fire, he superintended their clearing under great difficulties owing to the casualties inflicted. He then went through a very heavy gas shell barrage and informed the battery of the new position of the wagon lines. Throughout the operations he set a fine example of grit and courage.
VERNON, 2/Lt. Cyril Harker 4/Welch
RAILWAY WOOD, 10th May, 1917. In spite of being subjected to very heavy fire he succeeded in destroying an enemy barricade. He was very severely wounded.
VINCENT, 2/Lt. Cecil Richard Causabon 18/London
Near BOURLON, 30th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in command of a company holding the line against an enemy attack, and showed the greatest courage and resource under heavy shell fire. He organised his command with great ability in critical circumstances, and set a fine example to his men.
VOSS, 2/Lt. Gordon Philips Tank Corps
Awarded 1st January, 1917.
BAR TO M.C.
YPRES, 31st July, 1917. He went forward with the attacking infantry to act as guide to the tanks. He rendered valuable service under heavy machine-gun fire to a tank which was put out of action. Though slightly wounded he continued his work, and under heavy fire helped three tanks back to their positions after the attack. His coolness and example under fire had a great effect on his men.
WADSWORTH, Lieut. Arthur 13/Middlesex
Awarded 3rd June, 1919.
WAGNER, Lieut. Dixon Park 11/Dublin Fusiliers
Near BOESINGHE, 9th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having taken over and established two advanced posts close to a farm which was strongly held by the enemy, he displayed the greatest gallantry and determination during the difficult work of consolidation under close rifle fire and heavy shelling.
BAR TO M.C.
ST. LOUIS, in the COURTRAI sector, 20/21 October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. When both Lewis guns of his platoon were put out of action, and he was unable to advance owing to machine-gun fire, he, by a daring reconnaissance, located the enemy machine gun, which he engaged and silenced with rifle fire, thus enabling his platoon to get forward. His fine action greatly facilitated the general advance of his company to its objective.
WAKELY, 2/Lt. Arthur Day 2/South Lancashire
WYTSCHAETE RIDGE, 7th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding his company after his company commander was wounded, and enveloping and capturing two enemy machine guns which were holding up our advance. He afterwards went forward through a barrage and captured seven prisoners in a dug-out. He then reorganised his company, which was mixed up with other troops, and pushed forward, showing fine judgment and leadership throughout.
WALBY, Capt. Herbert Charles 4/North Stafford (10/Yorkshire L.I.)
Near WYTSCHAETE, 25/26 April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the battalion camp was being shelled and gassed he supervised the movement of the battalion; and when the battalion had counter-attacked and penetrated the enemy’s line he went out, and under heavy fire got into touch with isolated detachments. His coolness and disregard of danger were a fine example to all.
BAR TO M.C.
RABASSA RAIRNE, 28th May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty throughout operations. When the commanding officer was wounded he took command of the battalion and held on to the position until almost surrounded. He then led his men through a narrow gap in the enemy’s lines and took up another position about 500 yards in rear, from which he withdrew later in the day, in conformity with the troops on his flanks, and occupied some heights with 400 men collected from various units. He held this position until the withdrawal, when he led the last party across a river before the bridges were blown up. Throughout a trying period he showed unfailing courage and good leadership.
WALFORD, Capt. John Osborn 1/Worcester
BAZUEL, 18th October, 1918. In the attack he commanded a company in the leading wave with conspicuous courage and skill. When the advance was held up by heavy machine-gun fire he made a personal reconnaissance, and, gaining touch with a company on the left, he gave orders to the remainder of the line to advance, gaining the objective with few casualties. His company captured a complete battery of 4·2-inch howitzers.
WALKER, 2/Lt. Henry Edward R.A.F.
KEFR SABA DIER BALLUT, 19th March to 10th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during many flights and encounters in the air, when often single-handed he was most successful in bringing down enemy machines, and invariably displayed the utmost skill and resolution. He has been engaged in 14 combats, which have either been decisive or have resulted in enemy aircraft being driven down to a low height, and he has on occasions gone up as many as five times in one day.
WALLWORK, Lieut. John Wilson R.A.F.
LENS, PONT D.--VENDIN, 6th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he participated in many offensive low-flying and bombing attacks, and carried them out with great courage and determination. From very low altitudes he bombed enemy troops and transport, inflicting heavy casualties. He caused while on offensive patrol more than one enemy machine to crash, and brought down others out of control. He set a magnificent example of courage and skill.
WALTON, 2/Lt. Sydney 3/Durham L.I.
Near HEUDECOURT, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during a counter-attack when acting as adjutant to the battalion. On the objective being gained he organised bombing parties, cleared the trench of the enemy, and reorganised the line. Later, after the battalion had been driven out of a position, he rallied the men in his vicinity, and led them in a successful counter-attack on the lost ground.
WALTERS, 2/Lt. Sydney Evelyn 9/Tank Corps
Near MORMAL FOREST, 4th November, 1918. During the action he reconnoitred and taped routes through most difficult country prior to the attack. In the attack he led his tanks with great coolness and judgment through heavy shelling up to their jumping-off place, and ensured their starting at zero in complete touch with their infantry. Throughout he displayed complete disregard of personal danger and devotion to duty.
WARD, Capt. Harold Frederick 2/East Surrey
MONCHY-LE-PREUX, 8/9 and 9/10 August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion raiding party. The night before the raid he accompanied patrols to ascertain if the enemy’s wire was sufficiently cut. This was done under machine-gun and rifle fire, and he brought back most valuable information. On the night of the raid itself he led the centre of the attack, and showed the greatest gallantry and coolness in visiting the other sub-sections and ascertaining that all objectives had been gained. His fine example largely contributed to the success of the operation.
BAR TO M.C.
GONNELIEU, 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company with great courage and initiative in an attack, capturing his objective, together with two field guns and 100 prisoners. He set a splendid example of determination and contempt of danger.
WATKINS, 2/Lt. William Henry Ernest 1/East Yorks
Near MEAULTE, 3/4 June, 1916. For conspicuous ability in controlling and disposing of his men. He showed great courage and disregard of danger, and even after being partially buried he inspired his men and kept up their morale.
WATSON, 2/Lt. Arthur Vivian Cradock Machine Gun Corps
Near MASNIERES, 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an engagement. He brought up pack animals loaded with ammunition close to the front line, and then led them forward under heavy fire to the captured position. His daring and skilful work enabled the guns to be got into action and maintain their fire for a much greater length of time than would otherwise have been possible. Though he suffered casualties amongst his men and animals, he delivered ammunition to all the guns and then returned and brought up a second load.
WATSON, Major Thomas William R.F.A.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
WATT, 2/Lt. Hugo Burr Craig 8/Durham L.I.
Awarded 1st January, 1918.
WEAVER, Capt. Frederick 22/London
BOURLON WOOD, 30th November to 2nd December, 1917. When his company was heavily shelled and gassed during a period of four days, by his personal example and disregard of danger he constantly rallied his men. His determined efforts helped materially in maintaining the position.
WEBB, Lieut. Clarence Harold 3/Norfolk
Near ALBERT, 30th June to 1st July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Finding the right battalion was out of communication he at once proceeded to the front line, having to crawl most of the way, being continually subjected to machine-gun fire. He established communication successfully, and later the same day he managed to restore the line at a point within 30 yards of the enemy. By his unbounded energy and perseverance he maintained forward communications during a period of great importance.
WEEKS, Capt. William Edward 17/Royal Sussex
FORET DE LILLE, 18th October, 1918. When in command he showed initiative and skill in leading his company. He pushed forward and captured the village, setting a fine example of dash and determination to his men. Again, on 20th October, he made a reconnaissance of the bank of the RIVER SCHELDT under heavy fire, and sent back very valuable information.
WEIR, 2/Lt. James 5/Scottish Borderers
Near YPRES, 19th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in taking charge when a shell had killed or wounded all the officers and several men at a company headquarters, evacuating the wounded, and reorganising the company, though the position was exposed to direct observation and under heavy fire.
BAR TO M.C.
Near POZIERES, 22/23 July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and ability. He assembled the battalion for attack under extremely difficult conditions and on ground which was entirely unfamiliar to him. When the enemy replied to our preliminary barrage he showed great courage, and by his able bearing steadied the men. It was entirely due to him that the battalion effected the relief and formed up in time to assume the offensive.
WELCH, 2/Lt. Stanley Thomas Tank Corps
Awarded 3rd February, 1920.
WELLBORNE, 2/Lt. Harry Harold Gordon R.A.S.C.