A fine Great War ‘Aveluy Wood’ D.C.M. awarded to Private A. H. Bird, Lancashire Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (31363 Pte., 18/Lan. Fus.) good very fine £800-1000

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 October 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked and captured an enemy machine-gun single-handed, killing the team. He then endeavoured to gain touch with the left and killed several of the enemy he met. He destroyed a trench mortar with a bomb, and all through the action he showed fine courage and determination, and was of the greatest assistance to his officers’.

Albert H. Bird entered the Army as Private 7956 in the R.A.V.C. but later transferred to the 18th (Bantum’s) Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, entering the France/Flanders theatre of war on 22 May 1915. Bird was awarded the D.C.M. for his distinguished service in the attack on Aveluy Wood, 1 June 1918. In the action the battalion suffered 2 officers and 18 other ranks killed, 7 officers and 144 other ranks wounded and 1 officer and 48 other ranks missing; and in the process gained three M.C’s. and two bars, one D.C.M. (Bird) and 10 M.M’s. Sold with copied m.i.c., war diary extracts, regimental history extracts and other research.