A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.S.O., M.C. group of four awarded to Captain Ralph Broomfield Pritchard, Northumberland Fusiliers, attached Lincolnshire Regiment, who died of wounds, 26 April 1918

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, complete with top bar; Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf (Major), mounted court style for wear, good very fine (4)
£3000-3500

D.S.O. London Gazette 16 September 1918. ‘T./Capt. Ralph Broomfield Pritchard, M.C., North’d. Fus.’ ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the battalion was ordered to fill a gap in the front line, this officer, in charge of the advanced guard, acted with such dash that it was mainly through his fine work that the battalion was able to do so. Later, he again advanced and occupied the old line, getting into touch with the flanks, and capturing three men of an enemy patrol. He held the line for the next four days under heavy fire, and finally was severely wounded when leading his company in a counter-attack as it gained its first objective.’

M.C. London Gazette 4 June 1917. ‘T./Capt. Ralph Broomfield Pritchard, North’d. Fus.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 4 January 1917; 27 December 1918.

Ralph Broomfield Pritchard was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A Clerk by occupation, he attested for the Newcastle Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers on 9 September 1914, aged 21 years. He was discharged to a commission in the 27th (Service) Battalion 94th Tyneside Irish) Northumberland Fusiliers in May 1915, being promoted to Lieutenant in November 1915 and to Captain in February 1916. The battalion formed part of the 34th Division which moved to France in January 1916 and remained there for the duration of the war. For his services in 1916/1917, Pritchard was mentioned in Haig’s despatches of 12 November 1916 and in June 1917 was awarded the Military Cross. In April 1918, Pritchard, then a Captain with the 14th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, was attached to the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. The battalion formed part of the 62nd Brigade of the 21st Division. During the Second Battle of Kemmel (7th phase of the Battle of the Lys) he led his men with great flair and effect but after several days continual action, was severely wounded. Captain Pritchard died of his wounds at No. 64 Casualty Clearing Station on 26 April 1918. For his gallantry and devotion to duty he was for a second time mentioned in despatches and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

With copied service papers, gazette extracts, m.i.c. and other research.