Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sapper H. G. Catlin, Royal Engineers, killed in action, 21 June 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11929 Sapr., 15/F. Co. R.E.); 1914 Star (11929 Sapr., R.E.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (11929Spr., R.E.); together with an erased British War Medal 1914-20, good very fine (4) £700-800

D.C.M. London Gazette 30 June 1915. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Neuve Chapelle on 10th March, 1915, in continuing to make loopholes and block up openings in a wall, under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, and completing the work though bricks were frequently knocked down after being set in position. Sapper Catlin has previously displayed great steadiness under fire’.

Herbert George Catlin was born in Blackwater, York Town. A Carpenter by occupation, he attested for the Royal Engineers at Woolwich on 26 November 1902, aged 19 years, 5 months. Prior to the Great war he served in Hong Kong, November 1906-November 1910, and was posted to the Army Reserve in December 1910. With the onset of war, he was mobilised at Chatham on 6 August 1914 and entered the France/Flanders theatre of war with the 15th Field Company on 5 November 1914. Serving with them at Neuve Chapelle on 10 March 1915 he was awarded the D.C.M. He was killed in action on 21 June 1915 and was buried in the Rue-du-Bacquerot No.1 Military Cemetery at Laventie.

Sold with a quntity of copied research, including service papers and war diary extracts.