A Great War ‘Hohenzollern Redoudt, battle of Loos’ September 1915 D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private A. C. Baynes, 3rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7483 Pte. A. C. Baynes. 3/Middx: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (G-7483. Pte. A. C. Baynes, Middx. R.); British War and Victory Medals (G-7483 Pte. A. C. Baynes Midd’x R.) medals unmounted, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 November 1915:
‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 28th and 29th September, 1915, near Vermelles. Private Baynes, although almost overpowered by the superior number of bombs thrown by the enemy, with great bravery and coolness managed to keep them at bay, and continued throwing bombs. By his personal gallantry and example he kept together a party of bombers until the trench was saved.’

After moving from Ypres to Loos, 85th Brigade received orders to relieve 26th and 27th Brigades (9th Division). Early on 28th September, 3/Middlesex moved into position opposite Hohenzollern Redoubt, ready to support the 2/Buffs who were to attack towards the Dump. The attack commenced at 9.30am following the artillery bombardment with the Buffs moving over the open, while 3/Middlesex bombed their way through the Left Face trench.

Running short of bombs the battalion was the subject of a German bombing attack and suffered heavy casualties from that and enfilading machine gun fire. On their right the Buffs were forced to give way and the Middlesex slowly withdrew down South Face trench. Orders were received to hold Big Willie trench and the four companies of the Middlesex took up positions there, while the R. Fusiliers held the South Face. The Germans launched heavy bombing attacks but were beaten back by the Middlesex bombers.

Again on 29th September, the German bombers attempted to capture South Face trench but were unsuccessful. 2/Buffs holding Dump trench on the right of the Middlesex were relieved by 1/Y&L and now took up position between the left of the Middlesex and the right of the R. Fusiliers.

By 11am the Middlesex were again being heavily pressed by the Germans and were short of bombs and it was decided to withdraw further. The struggle continued all day and by 5pm the troops in South Face trench were being steadily forced back. West Face trench was captured by the enemy and the Middlesex withdrew to the old first line trench, where they were relieved during the night of 30th September/1st October.

Arthur Charles Baynes served with the 3rd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, in France from 2 May 1915.

Sold with copied research including Battalion War Diary extracts and Medal Index Card.