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Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 186

(x) A 'Western Front 1917' Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to Corporal C. J. Wall, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, whose bravery saw two German guns and ten men captured, only for him to be killed in action on the first day of the Cambrai Offensive

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (24478 Cpl C. J. Wall. 1/R.D.Fus:), very small edge bruise, otherwise toned, good very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 6 February 1918, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during an attack. He went out to establish connection with the company on his right and on his way found a party which was held up by fire from two machine-guns. He at once took command, organised them into a bombing party, which he led, capturing both guns and ten prisoners. He showed great the greatest courage and initiative.'

Christopher Joseph Wall was born at Dunboyne, County Meath and enlisted at London. Posted to the 9th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, Wall was with this formation in 1916 when he was hospitalised for sickness at Bermondsey Military Hospital at Ladywell. Posted to the 1st Battalion in France, likely during 1916 having left Hospital, he was certainly present with them during their most intense period in combat between October-November 1917.

Here the unit saw action first in the Battle of Passchendaele, notably on the night of 3-4 October when they were involved in an attack towards the Staden Railway. Despite making good progress early in the attack they struggled to maintain cohesion and suffered heavy losses later in the day. It is entirely possible Wall's D.C.M. was awarded for his actions in this attack.

He was still with this unit a fortnight later when it joined 48th Brigade, just prior to the Cambrai Offensive. The unit's role in the attack was to be as part of a diversionary attack south of Cambrai to cause confusion amongst the Germans. The 16th (Irish Division) including 1st Royal Dublin Fusiliers were to advance against the heavily fortified Tunnel Trench. This they did, taking their enemy by surprise and seizing a section of the trench-line.

Unfortunately, the failure of other attacks left them isolated and the Germans took full advantage, launching a savage counter attack which mired the Division in hand to hand fighting. They were forced to withdraw with over 800 casualties, that number including Wall who was killed in action during the assault. He is buried in the Croisilles British Cemetery; sold together with copied citation, Ireland's Memorial Records extract and war diary extract.

Further entitled to the British War and Victory Medals.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,550

Starting price
£700