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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 343

A very fine 'Orange Hill 1918' D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant F. Duckworth, Canadian Mounted Rifles, who had previously suffered gunshot wounds to the head and knee

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (117232 Sjt. F. Duckworth. 2/Can: M.R.), polishing to high relief, nearly very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920:

'For conspicuous gallantry and good work. On the 26th August 1918, near Orange Hill he, under very heavy fire took through to the objective, 2,500 yards distant, four Stokes' guns with crews. On the way he together with several men, rushed a machine gun post, thereby saving many casualties.'

Frank Duckworth was born on 24 August 1887 at Blackburn, England, the son of Jane Duckworth. A rancher by profession, he attested at Calgary for the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 5 January 1915, his papers noting previous service with the Imperial Yeomanry. He initially served in England at Bramshott before landing in France on 29 January 1916 and being taken on strength with the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles. Appointed Acting Corporal on 9 December 1916, Duckworth was wounded in action eleven days later suffering a gunshot wound to the head and left knee which necessitated transfer to No. 7 Canadian General Hospital at Etaples.

He recovered and spent 10 days on leave in Paris, before being attached to the 8th Trench Mortar Battery and promoted Sergeant on 30 September 1917. Duckworth was subsequently awarded the D.C.M., one of 116 Medals and 2 Bars awarded during the war to the Regiment. He returned home to Canada aboard the S.S. Olympic on 12 March 1919, being discharged on 31 March 1919; sold with copied service papers and research.


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Sold for
£650

Starting price
£320