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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 357

A well-documented First Day of the Battle of the Somme 1916 D.C.M. group of four awarded to Bombardier R. C. Hall, Royal Field Artillery, for an epic 36-hour action in which he gallantly held a captured enemy post with a Forward Observation Officer in order to maintain vital communication; he was also wounded on the First Day of the German Spring Offensive

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (72527 A. Bmbr: R. C. Hall. C. By: 84/Bde: R.F.A.); 1914-15 Star (72527. Gnr. R. C. Hall. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (72527 Bmbr. R. C. Hall. R.A.), good very fine (4)

D.C.M. London Gazette 20 October 1916:

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. With the F.O.O. he laid a telephone wire to a captured post, and patrolled and repaired it continuously for 36 hours, thereby enabling valuable information to be sent back to his Battery and prompt action to be taken.'

Robert Cooper Hall, a native of North Shields, was born in 1894 and enlisted at Newcastle on 4 January 1915. He served in France from 27 July 1915 and won his remarkable D.C.M. in action near Montaubin on 1-2 July 1916. Having also been awarded a Major-General's (Commanding 18th Division) Gallantry Card, he was admitted to No. 18 General Hospital for dental treatment on 27 December 1916. Returned to the front, he was wounded by a gunshot to the left calf in action on 21 March 1918, the First Day of the German Spring Offensive,whilst serving with the 106th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Once again back in the front line in May 1918, he was admitted to hospital with debility and gastritis on 7 August 1918, contracted whilst on active service. He was awarded a 20% pension.

Sold together with the following original archive:

(i)
His Major-General's (Commanding 18th Division) Gallantry Card, with his name, number and date stated as '1st & 2nd July 1916 During the Battle of the Somme.'

(ii)
His Transfer to Reserve Certificate, dated 2 March 1919.

(iii)
An old citation, copied research, and Service Record.

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Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£1000