A Great War 1915 ‘Battle of Festubert’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Bandsman, later Sergeant, W. Black, 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (72 Bndsmn: W. Black. 2/R. War: R.); 1914 Star, with loose clasp (72 Bndsmn: W. Black. R. War: R.); British War and Victory Medals (72 Pte. W. Black. R. War. R.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5094060 Sjt. W. Black. D.C.M. R. War. R.) generally very fine or better (5) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 5 August 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 16th May, 1915, at Festubert, when, with his corporal, he continually went over the parapet, and assisted to carry in wounded men under heavy fire.’

William Black served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment in the French theatre of war from 4 October 1914. Black distinguished himself during the Battle of Festubert, when the Battalion moved ‘to Locon 12th [May], support trenches north of Rue de Cailloux 15th. Took part in Battle of Festubert. War Diary records that the ‘companies advanced with great dash and quickness and arrived at desired objective.’ Forced to withdraw later due to enfilade fire. Holding captured German line at dusk 16th. Relieved 18th and to billets at Vendin-lez-Bethune. Casualties during fighting totalled 207 killed, wounded and missing.’ (British Battalion on the Western Front January to June 1915, by R. Westlake refers).