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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 355

(x) A very fine D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant W. N. Hutchinson, 4th Canadian Infantry, who had already won an M.M. at Passchendaele the previous year

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11241 A. Sjt: W. H. Hutchinson. M.M. 4/Can: Inf:), contact marks, very fine

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919:

'For most conspicuous gallantry in face of intense fire during the operations of both the Canal du Nord, 27 September and Abancourt Ridge, 1 October 1918. In the hand to hand fighting in the neighborhood of the steel bridge during the assault of the Canal du Nord he fought splendidly, killing several enemy. He then bombed an enemy post under the bridge and killed all the occupants, after which he cleaned out a dug-out single handed, also killing all the occupants. Throughout the operations his courage was of the highest order, and he did magnificent work.'

[M.M.] London Gazette 13 March 1918:

'For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the operations at Passchendaele on 6 November 1917. Hutchinson was Platoon Sergeant of one of the platoons which was in the support of the attack. During the operations the area was heavily shelled and many of his men were wounded. Hutchinson set a splendid example in going about attending to the wounded and cheering the men.'

William Norman Hutchinson was born on 6 June 1891 at Caledon East, Ontario. He served with the 36th Peel Regiment from 1911-14 and enlisted in the 4th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force at Valcartier, Quebec on 23 September 1914. Embarked for England on 3 October 1914, he proceeded to France on 7 February 1915. His time on the front line was cut short, being invalided sick on 6 March 1915. Returned to France on 26 April 1915, he was promoted Corporal on 26 September and wounded on 10 October 1916, once again being invalided to England. Once again returning to France on 25 April 1917, he was promoted Sergeant on 21 September 1917. He went on to earn the D.C.M. and M.M. and was further wounded on 24 April 1918.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£480