The unique 1918 ‘Attack on Le Catalet’ D.C.M., ‘Salonika’ M.S.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. Binnington, alias T. Banks, Northumberland Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2340 Sjt: W. Binnington. 2/North’d Fus:); 1914-15 Star (2340 Sgt. W. Binnington. North’d Fus:) rank and name contemporarily re-engraved; British War and Victory Medals (2340 Sgt. T. Banks. North’d Fus.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (2340 Sjt: W. Binnington. 2/North’d Fus:) lacquered, good very fine (5) £1000-1400

D.C.M. London Gazette 12 March 1919; citation published 2 December 1919:
‘For most conspicuous gallantry as battalion signalling sergeant during attack on Le Catelet on 4th October 1918. During the two attacks on Le Catalet on 4th October he led a battalion headquarter platoon in a most dashing manner, inflicting loss on the enemy and greatly assisting our advance. he also obtained signal communication with brigade headquarters under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. In the mopping up of Le Catelet he silenced a machine gun in a house by throwing bombs through a window. He rendered excellent service.’

M.S.M. London Gazette 30 January 1919:
‘In recognition of valuable services rendered with the British Forces in Salonika.’

164 M.S.M.s awarded to the Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War, of which this is the only award for Salonika.

Walter Binnington, a native of High Spen, Co. Durham, attested for the Northumberland Fusiliers under the alias Tom Banks at Gateshead, Co. Durham, and served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 16 January 1915. Reverting to his true name, he was awarded an Immediate Meritorious Service Medal for service with the Salonika Field Force, the only M.S.M. awarded to the Regiment for this theatre of War, and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry during the twin attacks on Le Catelet in the final weeks of the Great War, during which the battalion suffered 1 officer and three other ranks killed. He died in July 1953 and is buried in Saltwell Cemetery, Gateshead.

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