Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.C.M., M.M. group of four awarded to Private G. H. Bevens, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, late West Yorkshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (65193 Pte. G. H. Bevens, M.M., 5/Yorks. L.I.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (42028 Pte. G. H. Bevens, 2/5 W. York. R. - T.F.); British War and Victory Medals (), very fine or better (4) £1800-2200

D.C.M. London Gazette 16 January 1919 - joint citation with Private A. E. Allen, M.M., also of the 5th Battalion, Yorkshire Light Infantry:

‘For conspicuous gallantry during the attack on Havrincourt between 12-14 September 1918, as Battalion “runners”. They worked continuously under very heavy shell and machine-gun fire; and there is no doubt that had it not been for the courage of these two men, several very important orders would never have reached the front line.’

M.M. London Gazette 13 March 1918.

George Bevens, from Bowes Park, London, won his M.M. in respect of gallantry in the 2/5th Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, in the battle of Cambrai, regimental records stating that he was notified of his award on Christmas Day 1917 - the unit was particularly active on the first day of the battle, in support of the tank attack, and suffered heavy casualties.

As a result of lack of reinforcements, the 2/5th Battalion was disbanded in August 1918, Bevens being allocated to the 5th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, in which capacity he quickly added a D.C.M. to his accolades for the above cited deeds as a “runner” at Havrincourt in the following month; sold with brief research, including MIC entry confirming his entry into France after 1 January 1916.