A Great War ‘Battle of Bourlon Wood 1917’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Lance-Corporal Fred Morris, 17th (Glamorgan Bantams) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, one of four D.C.M.s for Bourlon Wood to this battalion which ‘ceased to exist’ following the action

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (25788 Pte. F. Morris. 17/Welsh R.); British War and Victory Medals (25788 Pte. F. Morris. Welsh R.) mounted for display, small edge bruise to the first, otherwise nearly extremely fine (3) £900-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Though wounded, he carried on with another wounded man after the remainder of the team had been wiped out in the early stages of an attack. He kept his gun in action till all his ammunition was expended, and so enabled his platoon to withstand a heavy counter-attack.’

Fred Morris was a native of Pontypridd and his award was announced in the South Wales Echo under the banner ‘D.C.M. for Pontypridd Lad - Lance-Corporal F. Morris, Welsh Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Fred Morris, 50, Coedpenmaen-road, Pontypridd, has been awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in action at Bourlon Wood. He enlisted in January, 1915, and has been at the front two years. He has been wounded twice. Before enlisting he was employed as a collier at the Dowlais Colliery, Abercynon.’ He died of influenza on 2 April 1919.

The 17th (Glamorgan Bantams) Battalion, Welsh Regiment, was part of the 40th (Bantam) Division, composed entirely of men who were below the regulation height of 5 feet 3 inches and who had volunteered to join up and fight. The 17th Battalion was so decimated at Bourlon Wood, with the loss of 18 officers and 301 other ranks, that they were officially declared as having ‘ceased to exist’ from 26 November 1917.

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