A very rare Russian Civil War, ‘Murmansk 1919’ D.C.M. awarded to Bombardier W. Wilson, 420th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, for sinking the Bolshevik vessel S.S. Slutski off Unitza on Lake Onega whilst firing his gun from ashore, 30 June 1919

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (925587 Bmbr., R.F.A.) very fine
£1200-1500

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1919. Wilson, 925587, Bdr. W., D.C.M., 420th Bty., 6th Bde., R.F.A. (Warmborough) (North Russia [Murmansk]) ‘For conspicuous gallantry and resource throughout the operations from June 10th-July 5th, 1919, particularly on June 17th, near Fedotova, on June 22nd at Fedotova, and on June 30th at Unitza. On the two first-mentioned occasions he got his gun into action under very heavy fire, and from exposed positions did excellent work with it. On 30th June he sank the enemy S.S. Slutski off Unitza, getting his gun into action with astonishing rapidity, and maintaining a remarkably accurate fire.’

Possibly a unique citation for a D.C.M.. One of only three D.C.M’s. awardecd to the R.F.A. for the North Russian theatre of war.

Only three DCMs to the RFA for Murmansk Command, not North Russia as a whole