British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Great War D.C.M. and Bar awarded to 2nd Lieutenant E. Wood, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who was originally decorated for his gallantry in the 7th Battalion during the famous ‘liquid fire attack’ at Hooge in July 1915, on which occasion, in addition to assisting wounded comrades, he ‘threw about 200 bombs’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (A-412 Sjt. E. Woods, 7/K.R.R.C.), edge bruising, otherwise very fine £1800-2200

D.C.M. London Gazette 15 September 1915:

‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 30th July 1915 at Hooge, when he went out of his trench under a heavy fire to help a wounded officer. The field dressing proving insufficient, he returned, obtained a shell bandage and went out again, assisted by another non-commissioned officer. Subsequently, although having no knowledge of bombs, on being shown how to use them he led a bombing party, and himself threw about 200 bombs.’

Bar to D.C.M. London Gazette 26 September 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He took command when his platoon officer was wounded early in the day, and did fine work reconnoitring the position and assisting working parties. His conduct throughout the day was very fine.’

Ernest Wood, who was born in Walthamstow in April 1895 and enlisted in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in August 1914, first entered the French theatre of war as a Lance-Corporal in the 7th Battalion in mid-May 1915. Two or so months later, as evidenced by the above cited deeds, he displayed great gallantry during the famous German ‘liquid fire attack’ at Hooge, in which action his Battalion sustained casualties of around 300 killed or wounded. 2nd Lieutenant S. C. Woodroffe of the 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade - in neighbouring trenches - won the V.C.

Wood remained on active service until wounded in the arm on 15 April 1917 and evacuated to England. In the interim, most probably for operations in the Arras sector, he was awarded a Bar to his D.C.M. and, no doubt, displayed further gallantry on the occasion of the Battalion’s successful but costly attack on Orchard Wood on the Somme in August 1916 - he was advanced to Company Sergeant-Major in the following month.

On recovering from his wound, Wood was posted to the 6th Battalion on the Isle of Sheppey, in which unit he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in February 1918. Later that month, however, he was attached to the 18th Battalion back out in France, where he was wounded on 11 August and added a “mention” to his accolades (London Gazette 28 December 1918 refers). Wood, who was finally demobilised in March 1919, was also entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals, which awards he does not appear to have claimed until 1961 (his MIC entry refers).

In addition to a replacement 1914-15 Star trio Wood was also issued with a replacement DCM & Bar in 1961. The medal offered for sale is his original issue.