A Great War ‘Thiepval Ridge, Mouquet Farm’ September 1916 D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant Major) W. Wilson, 9th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (2817 C.S. Mjr: W. Wilson. 9/Lanc: Fus:); 1914 Star, with clasp (2817 Sjt. W. Wilson. 2/Lan: Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (2817 W.O. Cl. 2. W. Wilson. Lan. Fus.); War Medal 1939-45, unnamed, mounted as worn, together with the recipient’s Silver War Badge, the reverse officially numbered B17964, nearly very fine or better (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 November 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He showed a splendid example to the men of his company. Later, although wounded, he remained with his company throughout the operations.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘Mouquet Farm, 26.9.16’

William Wilson was born in Wigan on 27 November 1887 and attested for the Lancashire Fusiliers on 16 November 1905. He served with 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers during the Great War on the Western Front from 8 November 1914, and later with the 9th and 16th Battalions, and was awarded the D.C.M. for his gallantry during the attack at Mouquet Farm on 26 September 1916, during which the battalion lost all the Company Commanders and all but two of the officers who ‘went over’, and ‘about 400 casualties in the ranks’. Wounded and admitted to Stockport Hospital, he was discharged on 2 October 1918, and was awarded a Silver War Badge no. B17964.

Wilson subsequently served during the Second World War as a Warrant Officer of 1178 (Wigan) Squadron, Air Training Corps. He died in Wigan on 31 May 1977.

Sold with two original photographs; letter from the D.C.M. League; typed account of D.C.M. presentation ceremony by the Mayor; Air Training Corps warrant of appointment as Warrant Officer of No. 1178 (Wigan) Squadron from 11 October 1941; Certificate of Death; and copied research including the Battalion War Diary for September 1916, including a detailed report on the recipient’s D.C.M.-winning exploits.