Part 24

HAVRINCOURT, 21st to 24th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a convoy delivering supplies to two brigades. He conducted each wagon to the battery lines, and afterwards brought back the wagons under heavy shell fire to the company lines. By his coolness and control of his convoy he ensured the delivery of rations under very trying circumstances. Three days later, without guides and under heavy shell fire, he managed to find each battery and the headquarters of each brigade, and gave them information to enable them to draw rations. It was entirely owing to his persistent efforts that the artillery were able to obtain rations on that day.

WELSH, 2/Lt. Robert 5/Gordon Highlanders

Near LANGEMARCKE, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon against an enemy strong point with the utmost coolness and determination under machine-gun and rifle fire, and captured the position after fierce hand-to-hand fighting. Later he took his platoon through a heavy barrage and established an outpost line, which he held under very trying circumstances until relieved 36 hours later.

WELTE, 2/Lt. Ernest James 505th Battery, 65th Brigade (R.F.A.)

S. of ENGLEFONTAINE, 4th November, 1918. For marked gallantry while in charge of an 18 pdr. in taking it to a very forward position. The gun was man-handled down the bad road and placed within 150 yards of a house known to be a strong enemy machine-gun post. Under heavy machine-gun and shell fire he destroyed this post and cover around it by his fire, and it was due to his courage and initiative that the infantry were able to take this point without opposition.

WENGER, 2/Lt. Theodore Lanternier Machine Gun Corps

MESSINES, 12th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in repairing a badly damaged tank under heavy shell fire and in full view of the enemy, and driving it back to safety. He has consistently displayed a very high standard of determined courage and ability when engaged in salvage work, and has set a very fine example to all.

WEST, Capt. Frank 1/Devon

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

WEST, Lieut. Richard Goy 3/Grenadier Guards

HAMELINCOURT, 22nd August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry with a patrol, when he made persistent attempts to penetrate the enemy defences. He located five machine guns and brought back valuable information. The next morning he led his platoon with great determination and captured the position. He was then wounded.

WHEATE, Lieut. Thomas Ernest 190th Brigade R.F.A.

HEESTERT, 25/26 October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations when attached with half a section to an infantry battalion. The initiative he displayed was of the highest order, and his courage in handling his guns, and the superb way in which he brought them into action, with utter disregard to his own personal safety, was most praiseworthy.

WHEELER, Capt. William Robert 22/London

N. of PERONNE, 30th August to 6th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and ability during the advance. He skilfully led his company through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to the final objective. Later, during a further attack, when temporarily held up, he took hold of two companies and led them with the utmost determination, in spite of strong opposition.

WHINNEY, Charles Toller 11/Middlesex

N. of MEDVYEJA-GORA. For marked gallantry and good leadership. On the night 15/16 May, 1919, during operations which led up to the capture of a position, he was in charge of the advanced guard of two platoons sent out to exploit the success already obtained. Encountering an enemy armoured train he so man[oe]uvred his men that they got within rifle-bombing range of it and forced it to withdraw. On the 12th June, S. of MEDVYEJA-GORA, he secured the left flank of the attack, and handled his platoon with the skill he invariably displayed.

WHITAKER, Capt. Donald Nicoll 12/Hampshire (6/Royal Lancaster)

Near MONCHY, 18th June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although knocked down and buried by a shell, which rendered him unconscious, during an intense enemy bombardment, he insisted on returning to his company, as soon as he regained consciousness, in order to conduct the defence of the advanced posts and trenches which they were occupying. He was a second time buried by a shell, but remained in command until the attack had been beaten off, setting a magnificent example of pluck and devotion to duty.

WHITE, 2/Lt. John Broadwood 7/London

During the advance from BRAY to LICRAMONT, 22nd August to 6th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry as intelligence officer. On many occasions he was called upon to make difficult and dangerous reconnaissances, which he invariably carried out with extreme capability.

WHITE, 2/Lt. Thomas Herbert 7/East Lancashire

E. of KLEIN ZILLEBEKE, 24/25 September, 1917. While on patrol he encountered an enemy machine-gun post. With one man he immediately rushed the post, capturing the gun and its crew.

WHITEAWAY, Major Edward George Lang 5/Yorkshire L.I.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

BAR TO M.C.

VAUL, 29/30 August, 1918. He taped out a position for assembly in advance of our positions under heavy machine-gun and shell fire, and though wounded did not desist from his work until it was completed. His gallant devotion to duty ensured the success of the start of next day’s operations.

WHITEHEAD, 2/Lt. Frederick William R.F.A.

Near MONCHY-LE-PREUX, 10th May, 1917. When orderly officer his promptness and energy in directing the supply of ammunition to his battery and in getting the wagons and teams away under heavy shell fire averted many casualties. Although somewhat badly disabled, he carried on till all was clear.

WHYTE, Capt. Angus McIntosh 2/Tank Corps

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

WIGHT, 2/Lt. Lauder Lylestone 1/East Surrey

MORVAL, 25th September, 1916. He handled his company with great courage and determination. Later, although very severely wounded, he remained at his post.

WILES, Lieut. Osborne David 7/Shropshire L.I.

23rd October, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations which resulted in the capture of VERTAIN and ESCARMAIN, he carried out a reconnaissance under heavy machine-gun and shell fire, obtaining very valuable information. Although wounded, he remained at duty and continued to render valuable service during the night, 23/24 October, and on subsequent days.

WILKES, Lieut. George Thomas 7/East Surrey

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

WILKIE, Lieut. James 7/Loyal North Lancashire (11/East Lancashire)

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

WILKINSON, 2/Lt. Arthur Buttle R.F.A.

VILLERS BRETTONNEUX, 31st April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He volunteered to go round the front line to obtain information which was urgently required. He had to crawl most of the way under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, and succeeded in sending back most valuable information.

WILLANS, Capt. Harry 2/Bedford

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

WILLETT, 2/Lt. Francis William 4/Leicester

FONTAINE-LE-CROISELLES, 3rd May, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry in an attack, when, although wounded, he maintained a forward position with a Lewis gun team all day, and until all the team had become casualties. Before withdrawing he buried the gun.

WILLIAMS, 2/Lt. Harold 3/Manchester

BULLECOURT, 12th May, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and initiative in pushing forward his posts, and making and consolidating two strong points under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. He set a fine example of courage and skill.

WILLIAMS, Capt. Noel Victor 62/Machine Gun Corps

VAULX VRAUCOURT, 24th to 31st August, 1918. When temporarily in command of his company he was called upon, at short notice, to draw up a plan of action for launching his company to an attack. He carried out his task with conspicuous ability, and after the objective had been gained, he made a personal reconnaissance of the guns, under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, co-ordinating their dispositions so as to meet the tactical requirements of the situation. His courage and energy set a splendid example to all ranks.

WILLIAMS, 2/Lt. William James 3/Royal Welch Fusiliers

PILCKEM, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his company officer was wounded he took command, rallied his men, and kept them well in hand under very heavy fire, and showed a splendid example of steadiness throughout.

WILLIAMS, 2/Lt. William Theophilus 2/East Kent

Near “Fosse 8,” BETHUNE, 28/29 September, 1915. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took charge of a small party of bombers, and during 17½ hours he and his bombers threw close on 2,000 bombs, while the enemy responded with about five times that number. It was raining nearly all the time, and the damp fuses had to be lit from cigarettes, yet the enemy were held up. 2/Lt. Williams, though wounded, refused to leave his post, and it was mainly due to his bravery and that of his party that the trench was finally held.

WILLIAMSON, Lieut. William Henry Rowe R.A.S.C.

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

WILLS, 2/Lt. Arthur Reynolds 10/Royal West Surrey

Near ZILLEBEKE, 6th August, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded during heavy fighting and told by the Medical Officer to leave the line, he returned to the trenches and carried on with his duty, setting a splendid example to all ranks by his pluck and coolness.

WILLIS, Lieut. Cyril Reginald Indian Mountain Battery, R.A.

Awarded 3rd June, 1919.

WILLIS, Lieut. Dan Hugh 7/Royal Warwick

Awarded 3rd June, 1917.

WILSON, Lieut. John Baxenden 5/Northumberland Fusiliers

Near PASSCHENDAELE, 18th December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On hearing his posts being engaged by the enemy he immediately proceeded to the scene of action, and found that his men had captured an officer, thirteen other ranks and a machine gun. Hearing that there was apparently another machine gun out in “No Man’s Land,” he organised a patrol, and succeeded in finding and bringing back three other machine guns. On the following night he again patrolled “No Man’s Land” to try and find other machine guns, which were said to be there. Throughout this period he performed continual acts of courage and coolness under fire.

WILTON, 2/Lt. Ralph Antrobus 15/Royal Warwick

ROCLINCOURT, 22nd May, 1916. For conspicuous gallantry when in charge of a raiding party. He led his men, under heavy fire, to within twelve yards of the enemy parapet, and though struck down he continued to urge his men forward.

WINTLE, 2/Lt. George Howard 4/Gloucester

LA VACQUERIE, 2nd December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When he had been wounded, knowing that only a few officers survived, he returned, after having his wound dressed, with a number of men who had lost their way. With these men he reinforced the battalion, got into touch with the battalion on his left, and helped to take up a new position under the most difficult conditions.

WINSHIP, Lieut. Ernest Roland 8/Middlesex

Near CROISILLES, 24th to 30th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During several day’s operations he carried out valuable reconnaissances and obtained information which contributed materially to the success of the advance, and enabled dispositions to be made to meet an enemy counter-attack. He showed great skill and resource.

WITCOMBE, Capt. Charles Edward 2/Gloucester

Awarded 1st January, 1917.

BAR TO M.C.

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

WOMACK, 2/Lt. Bertie 6/Royal West Surrey

E. of MORLANCOURT, 22/23 August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer, under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, laid a tape within 100 yards of the front line to enable battalion to get direction in moving off for the attack. On several occasions during the operation he operated in front of our advanced posts, and enabled the infantry to destroy the machine-gun posts before casualties could be inflicted on us. At MAUREPAS, 29th August,he pushed out in front of the leading wave, and by careful observation directed the men safely through a barrage.

WOOD, 2/Lt. Sydney George 7/Northumberland Fusiliers (R.E.)

LANGEMARCKE, 24th October and 4th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of all visual stations and power buzzer and wireless stations between brigade headquarters and battalions. Though several times affected by gas, he set a splendid example under heavy shelling, and maintained communication in the forward area.

WOOD, 2/Lt. Walter Bertram 8/Hampshire (R.F.C.)

Near DOUAI and LAMBRES, 24/25 June, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions, when engaged with hostile aircraft, during which he has shown a fine offensive spirit and the utmost fearlessness. He has had no less than 23 combats, in the course of which he has destroyed and driven down numerous enemy machines, frequently attacking several single-handed, and on one occasion fighting with his revolver when he had run short of gun ammunition.

BAR TO M.C.

Near POLYGONE WOOD, 31st July, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attacking enemy aircraft. On several occasions he has shown admirable dash and determination in attacking hostile machines single-handed, destroying some and driving others down out of control. He has also displayed great daring in attacking enemy infantry and transport with machine-gun fire at very low altitudes, in spite of attacks by hostile aircraft whilst so engaged.

WOODCOCK, Lieut. Humphrey Neville Hodson 6/Royal West Kent

Near EPEHY, 22nd September, 1918. During operations he showed great gallantry in an attack upon an entrenched enemy machine gun. He led his platoon across the open with great dash and shot two of the enemy. The enemy counter-attacked with superior numbers, and drove him out; but he reorganised and led his men to a second attack which was completely successful. Though wounded he waited to see the post consolidated before going down.

WOODROW, 2/Lt. Arthur Blackford 11/Royal Sussex

Near YPRES, 25th to 27th October, 1917. He led his men in the attack on a strong point, which he captured with seven prisoners. Though severely wounded, he remained at duty for several hours, and sent excellent reports back to battalion headquarters.

WOODYEAR, 2/Lt. Reginald Percy 7/Royal West Kent

Near HEINGARD, 12th April, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company in an attack on an enemy position under heavy machine-gun and shell fire. He led his men with great dash, and never wavered until the objective was reached. He consolidated his position and maintained it until relieved, By his determination he succeeded in restoring a critical situation.

WOOTTON, Lieut. Kenneth Edwin 10/London (Tank Corps)

MARCOING, 20th November, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attack. He went forward in the leading tank of his section and put several enemy machine guns out of action. It was due to his splendid initiative and determination that the infantry reached their objective with very few casualties.

WORDEN, 2/Lt. Ernest Harold Glover 3/Royal Berks

SANCTUARY WOOD, 31st July, 1917. Though badly wounded he led his men with great gallantry under heavy shell and machine-gun fire to their objective. He set an excellent example of courage and endurance throughout.

WORNUM, 2/Lt. William Esmond R.G.A.

WESTOURTRE, 28th July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer’s battery came under heavy shell fire while he was on duty as section commander, but by his coolness and determination he kept the guns in action all night and the next day. On one occasion, one of his detachments having suffered heavily, he personally acted as layer to one of the guns.

WORRALL, Lieut. Samuel R.G.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1919.

WRIGHT, 2/Lt. George Edward R.A.S.C.

ERVILLERS, 23rd March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in maintaining his guns in action and in keeping up the supply of ammunition under very trying conditions. On two occasions he returned to old evacuated positions and salved ammunition in order to keep the battery supplied. Later, it was due to his great energy and cheerful example that six guns and stores were saved, and that his men, though worn out with fatigue, so ably performed their duties.

WRIGHT, 2/Lt. Herbert Alexander R.G.A.

CORBIE, 19th July, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry when ordered to move a gun from a position which was under heavy shell fire, shells dropping among the guns and causing several casualties. He cleared the wounded with the help of two non-commissioned officers, and then with great coolness and determined energy he caused the gun to be dismounted and moved before it sustained serious damage from the heavy shelling.

WRIXON, Lieut. Maurice Percival Bentley Grenadier Guards

ARLEUX, 19th February, 1918. During a hostile raid he was in charge of all the front posts, and on hearing rifle fire walked through a most intense barrage to the left flank post, where the raid was taking place. Immediately grasping the situation, and on seeing that two strong enemy parties had penetrated between our posts, he organised bombing parties, and opened fire with a machine gun on one of the enemy parties, which retired, leaving one of their wounded. Seeing the other party coming up behind him he ran down the trench to meet them, killed the leading man, and, supported by a few men, drove back this party, killing and wounding several. His great personal courage, coolness, and the fine military qualities which he displayed were a magnificent example to all ranks.

YATES, Major Henry George R.F.A.

Awarded 1st January, 1918.

YATES, Capt. William 3/Cheshire

GUYENCOURT, 27/28 May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a retirement. He showed great skill and determination in maintaining his position with very few men in the face of heavy enemy attacks. In particular one night he reorganised his men and parties of stragglers and dug in a line, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, repelled all enemy attacks for 12 hours until ordered to retire. He showed excellent leadership throughout.

YOUNG, Lieut. Oliver 4/Northumberland Fusiliers

Near CONCAVREU, 27th May, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took charge of a small party and successfully held up the enemy for a considerable period while the engineers destroyed a bridge. He organised a skilful defence in spite of heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. His consistent gallantry while fighting a rearguard action set a fine example to all men serving under him, and caused heavy losses to the enemy.

YUILL, Lieut. Harry Hogg 170th Mining Coy., R.E.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions:--

CUINCHY, 29th May, 1915. When one of the leads to a charge in a mine broke close to the charge, he at once untamped the top of the charge and crawled into the mine to find and mend the break, although the Germans were working so close he could hear them talking.

CAMBRIN, 24th and 29th June. At great personal risk, he charged mines, well knowing the Germans to be charging against him, and managed to fire his charges before they succeeded in doing so.

CUINCHY, on the night of 21/22 August. Again 2/Lt. Yuill exhibited great skill and bravery in directing mining operations. The enemy were working within a few feet of our galleries, opposite No. 5 and 7 mines, and it became a race which mines would be first exploded. The situation was critical, but owing to his splendid example and energy two shafts were sunk in time, charged and tamped. The resulting explosions must have blown in the German galleries and the miners in them.

* * * * *

FISHER, 2/Lt. Charles Heath 12/East Surrey

Near WYTSCHAETE, 3/4 September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry on reconnaissance. In spite of the fact that his runner was wounded, he returned himself and gave a valuable report as to the position of one of our posts in front of the line. He afterwards conducted three men with rations and water back to this post, in spite of the country through which they had to pass being under continuous machine-gun and snipers’ fire.

NELSON, Lieut. William Percival R.A.M.C. (1/Artists)

RUMILLY, 8th October, 1918. For gallantry and devotion to duty. During a very severe bombardment of artillery and machine guns he constantly went out to the help of the wounded, attending them with utter disregard for danger, and was the means of saving several lives and alleviating a great deal of suffering. He has at all times set a striking example by his fearlessness and devotion to duty.

SMITH, Capt. Walter Campbell 1/Artists (4th Bn., Special Brigade, R.E.)

(_Particulars omitted from page 126_)

This officer was in command of a double company (“P” and “Q”) operating on the 55th Divisional front. Throughout the enormous work involved in the preparations, he handled the difficult situations that arose with insight and resource, and by his careful attention to detail and indefatigable energy enabled the complicated operations to be carried through without a hitch.

The services referred to were rendered on the BLAIREVILLE-FICHEUX front between 13th and 28th June, 1916, culminating in the gas attack launched from that front on the latter date.

=D.F.C.=

_The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy. The Decoration has a ribbon of violet and white alternative diagonal stripes, running at an angle of 45°, showing violet triangles in the top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners. Bars may be added for additional acts of gallantry._

BEENEY, Lieut. James Alexander 24/London (R.A.F.)

Awarded 1st January, 1919, for continuous good service for ten months.

[5362

CANNING, Lieut. Ernest Harold 1/Gloucester (R.A.F.)

FRANCE, 28th August, 1918: also many other dates. This officer has displayed marked courage and skill in bombing enemy transport, etc., at low altitudes. He took a conspicuous part in the attack on bridges over a river between ARRAS and CAMBRAI: subjected to very heavy machine-gun fire he descended to 150 feet to exactly locate their position, and bombed them from a low altitude.

[4824

COULSON, Lieut. Charles Stanley Lomas 80th Squadron, R.A.F.

N. of MORLANCOURT, 9th August, 1918, and many other places and dates. During the late operations this officer has set a brilliant example of courage and skill, notably on one occasion when, observing a party of the enemy in a trench firing at some of our infantry, he repeatedly dived on the trench, firing at the occupants and distracting their attention from our troops. Eventually he was wounded twice in the leg, but succeeded in reaching his aerodrome.

[762695

DEW, 2/Lt. Edward Alphonse 205th Squadron, R.A.F.

Near BAILLEUL, 19th May, 1918, and many other places and dates. A keen and dashing officer, who has taken part in numerous bombing raids and photographic reconnaissances. Whilst on a bombing raid his machine, flying in rear of the formation, was attacked by five enemy scouts. Two of these he engaged at close range; at the outset he was dangerously wounded in the thigh. Despite this he continued firing his guns until he fainted from loss of blood. He succeeded in bringing down one of the scouts in flames.

[766687

FAIRBAIRN, Flying-Officer Arthur Reginald 4th Balloon Section, R.A.F.

W. of FRIODMONT, 23rd October, 1918, and many other occasions. During recent operations this officer’s balloon was singled out for attack three times in two days. On the third day he was again attacked by six scouts when at a height of 1,500 feet. He behaved with the utmost coolness and gallantry in helping his fellow observer, who was inexperienced, out of the basket before parachuting himself. His determination in pushing his balloon forward during the recent advance has been most praiseworthy.

[6284

FRANK, Lieut. Charles Frederick 19th Balloon Section, R.A.F.

Near GUOY, FRANCE, 8th October, 1918: also numerous other dates and places. Lieut. Frank has co-operated with our artillery in 184 successful shoots, proving himself an exceptionally capable and efficient officer, with keen powers of observation. On 8th October, under most difficult conditions, he succeeded in giving observations for three shoots. During this flight, owing to his proximity to actual operations, he was enabled to transmit valuable information as to hostile infantry movements.

[5492

GOUDIE, Capt. Norman 5th Squadron, R.A.F.