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Auction: 7022 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 1246

A Great War 1915 ´Neuve Chapelle´ D.C.M. Group of Five to Warrant Officer Class II H. Webb, Worcestershire Regiment, A Battalion Runner, One of the Most Demanding and Dangerous Employments in Trench Warfare a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9182 C.S. Mjr: H. Webb. 1/Worc: Regt.) b) 1914 Star, with Bar (9182 Sjt. H. Webb. 1/Worc: R.) c) British War and Victory Medals (9182 W.O. Cl. 2. H. Webb. Worc. R.) d) Army Long Service & G.C., G.V.R. (5239096 W.O. Cl. 2. H. Webb. D.C.M. Worc. R.), light contact marks overall, very fine Estimate £ 1,200-1,400 D.C.M. London Gazette 30.6.1915 9182 C.S. Mjr. H. Webb 1/Worc. Regt. ´For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuve Chapelle on 11th and 12th March 1915, in continually carrying messages to all companies and brigade headquarters, under fire, and always getting his messages through.´ The Worcesters at Neuve Chapelle During the second week of March1915 British forces attacked the Germans at Neuve Chapelle and after two days of fighting the village was captured. The Germans troops, however, quickly re-formed and sent two Bavarian Battalions to recapture the village, advancing against the position held by the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and the Sherwood Foresters. The latter were overwhelmed, leaving ´A´ Company of the Worcesters to defend the now open flank. The Germans advanced to within 70 yards before the 1st Battalion opened fire with devastating effect. The Germans fell in large numbers prompting the Worcesters to follow up with a bayonet charge. They forced the enemy back to their own lines, and captured part of the German trench system. The charge, however, had been unsupported and soon they became isolated in their newly acquired position. After resolutely beating off several German attacks the Worcesters were forced to withdraw across open ground, having suffered nearly 50% casualties.

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£3,000