A North-West Frontier 1919 D.C.M. group of five awarded to Private P. Wick, 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9376 Pte., 2/N. Staff. R.), suspension refitted, signs of brooch mounting to reverse; 1914-15 Star (9376 Pte., N. Staff. R.); British War and Victory Medals (9376 Pte., N. Staff. R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (9376 Pte., N. Staff. R.) suspension refitted, signs of brooch mounting to reverse, edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £2000-2400

D.C.M. London Gazette 15 January 1920. ‘9376 Pte. P. Wick, 2nd Bn. [North Staffordshire Regiment] (King’s Cross) (India)’ ‘For gallantry and good work at Bagh, on the 11th May 1919. He was with the leading platoon in climbing up the side of a small sangar containing four of the enemy; he shot three in the sangar and a fourth as he ran away.’

Citation read at the presentation of the medal: ‘On the 17th June 1919, at Landi Kana, India. Pte. Wick was ordered forward during the action against the Afghans, with Lieut. Hauseman to get certain high ground and to fire Verey Lights as a signal that all was clear, and the advance could be made. When the heights were reached the enemy were found to be ambushed just beyond and opened fire. The officer was almost immediately hit in the leg. The two still went forward and the Officer got hit in the head. The Officer being unconscious Pte. Wick relieved him of the Verey Lights, placed the Officer in safety behind a rock, and went alone to obey the order. Pte. Wick was then joined by Cpl. Redfern (Bombing Corporal). The two then engaged the enemy with bombs, Pte. Wick sent up the Red Verey, and on this signal the battalion advanced and the enemy was driven back and the hill captured.’

Percy Wick was born in Chelsea in 1890. In the Great War he served as a Private in the North Staffordshire Regiment. Served with the 2nd Battalion in the Third Afghan War and was awarded the D.C.M. for his bravery in action on the N.W. Frontier during 1919. Discharged on 13 July 1922 having completed his first period of engagement. Employed as a Batman, he died of malignant endocarditis in hospital in New South Wales on 25 January 1929.

With original discharge certificate; damaged slip bearing the citation on the occasion of the presentation of his medal; and death registration form. Together with an original photograph of the recipient and copied m.i.c. and research.

See lot 80 for the medals to Lieutenant Horseman (Hauseman), who was awarded the M.C. for the same action.