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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 393

'The greatest recorded exploit in the ranks was that of Cpl. Billington of D Coy who entered the village with a party of men in the morning and when the attack failed succeeded in withdrawing his party. They dug themselves into a crater collected stragglers and still held out with the intention of getting back at nightfall. When the 7th Division went over that same night about twenty hours after the 62nd Division, they were held up and called upon this party to assist them. Again they went forward and fought grimly, and tried to re-enter the village with their new comrades of the 7th Division.'

(History of the 2/6th Bn. West Yorkshire Regt.)

A 'The Blood Tub' D.C.M. awarded to Lieutenant R. F. Billington, 2nd/6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, who earned his award as a Corporal at Bullecourt and was later commissioned

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (242001 Cpl R. F. Billington. 2/6 W. York: R. - T.F.), very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 July 1917, the official recommendation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He rallied his men under heavy fire, and throughout the day set a magnificent example of courage and determination.'

Richard Francis Billington was born in 1891 and likely enlisted, or was conscripted, on 16 March 1916, being appointed Lance Corporal on 17 June 1916. Entering the war in France on 6 January 1917 with 2/6th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment. Serving with 'D' Company he was present for the opening stages of the Battle of Bullecourt. Sent into the eponymous 'Blood Tub' on 3 May 1917 2/6th Battalion lost its direction in the haze of smoke and, despite efforts to correct their approach, floundered. Billington's Section was one of the few which made the village and faced the German counter-attack which pushed them back out into no-man's land. Rather than withdrawing however Billington, on his own initiative, rallied as many survivors as he could and dug in.

Here they were discovered by troops from 2nd Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company and, again led by Billington, joined them in the advance, bombing the first German trench and assisting the attack. Despite their aid this second wave also failed, nevertheless Billington survived the fighting and continued to serve, being promoted Sergeant on 16 June 1917.

Accepted to 18th Officer Cadet Unit, Bath on 21 September 1917 he was promoted 2nd Lieutenant on 1 May 1918. Joining 5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in France on 18 November 1918 he remained with this unit until April 1919 when he returned to England, being further promoted Lieutenant on 1 November 1919; sold together with copied research including, service papers, commission papers and M.I.C. as well as extracts from Battalion histories and The Blood Tub as well as army lists and a Birth Registry.

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Sold for
£580

Starting price
£450