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Auction: 11007 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 463

The 1914-15 Star to Sergeant W.W. Fairless [D.C.M. and Bar, M.M.], Royal Engineers 1914-15 Star (1075 Spr. W.W. Fairless. R.E.), good very fine, scarce to a triple gallantry winner Estimate £ 100-140 D.C.M. London Gazette 23.6.1915 1075 Sapper W.W. Fairless, 1st Northumbrian Field Company, Royal Engineers, Territorial Force ´For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in going out and working in front of the parapet in close proximity to the enemy. Sapper Fairless is a man who is always chosen for a dangerous piece of work.´ D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 2.12.1919 457142 Cpl. (A./Sjt.) W.W. Fairless, D.C.M., M.M., 446th (N´bn.) Fd. Coy., R.E., T.F. (Ashington) ´On nights of 12th, 14th, and 15th October, 1918, he formed one of a small party engaged on important reconnaissances of River Selle, from Le Cateau to St. Souplet. The work had to be carried out at a distance of about 500 yards in advance of our outpost line. On each occasion he rendered very valuable assistance, and displayed great coolness and courage in entering deserted buildings near the river, and when under fire from enemy snipers and machine guns. On the morning of our attack he rendered invaluable service in leading his section of sappers, and in getting the infantry bridges across the Selle. Throughout he showed great gallantry and zeal.´ M.M. London Gazette 21.10.1918 457142 Cpl. W.W. Fairless, D.C.M, 446th (N´bn.) Fd. Coy., R.E., T.F. (Ashington) 1075 Sergeant William Wilson Fairless, D.C.M., M.M., was born in Newcastle and served during the Great War with the 1st Northumbrian Field Company, Royal Engineers, Territorial Force, on the Western Front from 19.1.1915. One of only 19 men in the Royal Engineers in the Great War to be awarded a Bar to the D.C.M.

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