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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 391

The 'Battle of Bullecourt' D.C.M. awarded to Company Sergeant Major W. E. Rathke, 2/5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, for his Gallant defence of the gains made at such cost by his Battalion, which saw him one of only three N.C.O's to survive the engagement

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (201195 C.S.Mjr: W. E. Rhathke. W. York: R. - T.F.), minor contact marks, very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 18 July 1917, the original recommendation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although himself wounded, be collected and successfully led a small party against a strong enemy bombing attack upon our trenches. His promptitude saved the situation at a very critical time. With great determination and coolness he remained at his post, indifferent to his wounds, until his company was relieved.'

William Ernest Rakthe served with the West Yorkshire Regiment during the Great War (medals) and was heavily engaged during the attack on Bullecourt in May 1917. During the attack they managed to capture a line of German Posts however the loss of most of their Company commanders and a heavy casualty rate amongst N.C.O.s resulted in them consolidating here rather than pushing on. The German forces counter-attacked and the Battalion, led by Captain Green, was hard pressed to cling on. Rathke as one of the last surviving senior N.C.O.s was instrumental in the defence, on one occasion risking enemy fire to collect rifle ammunition and grenades before returning to the fight. 10 officers were killed or wounded - presumably out of a Battalions normal compliment of twelve - and 257 other ranks also became casualties. The losses were extremely heavy, although the Battalion remained a coherent unit unlike 2/6th Battalion next door which lost all 12 Company Officer and 287 of their 393 strong compliment. A letter written by Drum Major Proctor to Captain Green- wounded after his heroics on 3rd May -, lays out the severity of the loss stating:

'Clubb is back from Hospital & very fit. Billies in great form too.
Rathke, Pearson + Ware are the only N.C.O.'s who came back.
Knowles is killed, almost for certain. Wilson too. Churchman + Annely, Wilcox (wounded) missing, but prisoners we hope.'

The losses to officers and N.C.O.s as well as high casualties among the men made the attack particularly hard on the 2/5th Battalion. Rakthe remained with the Regiment after the war, being discharged with time expired on 8 December 1925; sold together with copied research including M.I.C., a London Gazette entry, an extract from the book Massacre of the Marne as well as a copied letter from Drum Major Procter and extract from Routine Orders giving details of the recommendation.

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Sold for
£520

Starting price
£450