A Great War ‘Bourlon Wood 1917’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Acting Regimental Sergeant-Major W. G. Rice, 21st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, later commissioned as Quartermaster and Lieutenant in the Royal West Kent Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5433 C.S. Mjr:-A.R.S. Mjr: W. G. Rice. 21/Middx: R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, Cape Colony (5433 Pte. W. Rice, Middx: Regt.) clasps mounted in order listed, unofficial rivets between top two clasps; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5433 Corpl: W. Rice. Middlesex Regt.); British War and Victory Medals (Q.M. & Lieut. W. G. Rice.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (L-5433 C. Sjt: W. G. Rice. Midd’x: R.) the Boer War medals with edge bruising and contact marks, good fine, otherwise good very fine (6) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in keeping the front line companies supplied with ammunition and grenades during two days’ operations. He personally visited the forward positions under heavy fire to ascertain if they were in need of more supplies.’
Annotated gazette states: ‘Bourlon Village, 23-24 November 1917.’

William George Rice, from Finchley, served with the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, during the Boer War of 1899-1902. During the Great War he landed in France on 30 August 1917, and was promoted to Regimental Sergeant-Major of the 21st (Service) Battalion (Islington), Middlesex Regiment, on 8 September 1917. Rice was commissioned at Quartermaster and Lieutenant on 10 June 1918, with the 10th (Service) Battalion (Kent County), Royal West Kent Regiment.

Sold with gazette notices, War Diary and medal roll extracts.