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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 659

(x) A fine D.C.M., M.M. group of four awarded to Temporary Corporal N. Walker, Royal Field Artillery, sometime Royal Horse Artillery, a 'Macclesfield Man' through and through, who was twice decorated for bravery on the Western Front whilst serving as a Signaller

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (160820 Bmbr: N. Walker. R.F.A.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (160820 Bmbr: N. Walker. D.C.M. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals with M.I.D. oak leaves (160820 Bmbr. N. Walker. R.A.), court mounted, good very fine (4)


D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1919:

'From 25th February to 16th September, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, especially during the Somme retirement on 21st March. This signaller N.C.O. has always been very reliable. His cheerfulness and disregard of personal safety when maintaining communication has set a very fine example to the other men.'

In a letter written by Walker to the War Office, a copy of which is held on his service file, stamped and dated 'R.F.A. Records Office, 15 September 1919 Woolwich', the recipient adds:

'D.C.M. awarded for going to the rescue of three comrades buried while asleep in their dugout by a direct hit, and showing great coolness under heavy shellfire and gas at Gouzeacourt.'

M.M. London Gazette 23 July 1919.

In the same letter, Walker adds:

'M.M. awarded for keeping the Battery in communication under heavy shell fire, and showing remarkable courage at Hargecourt, Bellecourt and Beaurevoir during the advance while i/c of Signallers.'

Newman Walker was born on 15 January 1892 at Macclesfield, the son of Zechariah Walker, a power loom silk weaver of 254 Buxton Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire. A shirt cutter by trade, Walker attested for the Royal Field Artillery at Preston on 20 September 1916, being posted as Driver to No. 2 Depot, R.F.A. and transferred to No. 9 Reserve Battery the next day. He was subsequently sent to No. 28 Reserve Battery, being promoted Bombardier on 2 June 1917 and posted to France on 19 June 1917.

Appointed Bombardier Signaller in December 1917, Walker was wounded on 18 February 1918 whilst serving with No. 504 Battery, R.F.A., but remained on duty. He was subsequently awarded the D.C.M. and M.M., but his service record indicates a growing anxiousness at not having received his gallantry medals. These were later forwarded to the Officer Commanding, Depot Cheshire Regiment, the presentation of both awards later being made by the Mayor of Macclesfield at the Town Hall.

Promoted Temporary Corporal on 20 June 1919, Walker was further mentioned for services during the War (London Gazette 7 July 1919, refers), before being sent to the Dispersal Centre of 65 Brigade on 11 September 1919. He remained in Macclesfield and resumed his career as a shirt cutter, living with his wife Gladys at West Mount - the couple having married on 9 February 1916 at St Pauls Church, Macclesfield; sold with copied service record, MIC and research.


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Sold for
£1,400

Starting price
£800