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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 389

The Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Corporal W. Read, 11th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, for his gallant leadership in the trenches of Flanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (16-348 L. Cpl W. Read: 11/ W. York: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (16-348 Cpl W. Read. D.C.M. 11/ W. York. R.); 1914-15 Star (16-348 Pte W. Read. W. York. R.); British War and Victory Medals (16-348 Cpl. W. Read. W. York. R.), overall contact wear and polishing, nearly very fine (5)

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

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When all the N.C.O.'s of two companies became causalities in an attack he took charge of the remaining men and led them to the final objective. He then consolidated the position under heavy fire, and rendered great assistance to his company commander. He set an excellent example of coolness and courage under heavy fire.'

M.M. London Gazette 21 October 1918, the recommendation states:

'As leader of a party of 10 men in a raid against the enemy trenches, on the night - 1st/2nd July 1918 showed great dash and gallantry. He showed great skill and initiative in handling his party, assisted in the capture of a large number of prisoners, and after the operation, bought off his party in perfect orders and safety to our lines.'

Wilfred Read was one of the first 1,000 men to enlist in the 16th (Bradford Pals) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment on 21 September 1914. Entering the war in Egypt on 22 December 1915 he continued to serve with 'A' Company of this unit at least 1915 before joining 21st Battalion and later transferring to 11th Battalion with which he won both awards. The award of the D.C.M. came as the Battalion was engaged in the Battle of Menin Ridge Road. Read was discharged to the 'Z' Class Reserve 14 February 1919; sold together with two 'Bradford Battalion' enamel badges and original documentation including recommendations and discharge papers along with copied research including M.I.C., London Gazette entries and medal rolls as well as 16th West Yorkshire Regiment War Diary entries army lists and extracts from both newspapers and The West Yorkshire Regiment in the War.

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Sold for
£1,900

Starting price
£1200