A Great War ‘Italian theatre’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Sergeant F. Williams, Army Cyclist Corps, late Hampshire Regiment, who was wounded at Gallipoli, and was decorated for his gallantry in leading a patrol that swam the River Piave in the middle of winter

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2579 Cpl. F. Williams. XIV. C.C. Bn: A.C.C.); 1914-15 Star (2579 Pte. F. Williams, A. Cyc. Corps.); British War and Victory Medals (2579 Cpl. F. Williams. A. Cyc. Corps.); together with an Army Cyclist Corps cap badge, pitting and light contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £700-£900

Provenance: Glendinining’s, March 1974.

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918; citation published 21 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After taking part in severe operations, during which he was twice wounded, he joined the Corps Cyclist Battalion, and invariably displayed conspicuous courage and coolness under fire. He was the senior non-commissioned officer of the first patrol which volunteered to swim a river in the depth of winter.’

Frederick Williams was born in Cowes, Isle of Wight, in 1890 and attested for the Hampshire Regiment at Winchester on 19 November 1908, having previously served in the Regiment’s Special Reserve. He transferred to the Army Cyclist Corps on 6 February 1915, and served with them during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of War from 29 April 1915, suffering a slight shell wound to the left arm on 29 June 1915.

Williams subsequently served on the Western Front from 27 March 1916, and saw action on the Somme and at Ypres, being promoted Corporal on 29 January 1917. In November 1917 he proceeded with the 14th ‘Cavan Corps’ Battalion to Italy, and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal almost certainly for his gallantry in leading a patrol which swam the River Piave in the depth of winter in order to obtain information on enemy positions. Appointed Lance-Sergeant on 19 October 1918, he transferred back to the Hampshire Regiment on 2 February 1920, and was was discharged on 18 November 1920, after 12 years’ service.

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