Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second World War ‘North West Europe’ Immediate D.C.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Sergeant C. Boardman, 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (3522635 L. Sjt., E. Lan. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France & Germany Star; Defence & War Medals, good very fine (6) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945: ‘On 22 September 1944, during the attack on Bladel, after wireless communications between the forward Platoons and Company Headquarters had broken down, L/Cpl. Boardman volunteered to go forward and contact the forward Platoon Commanders. To do this, L/Cpl. Boardman had to advance over flat open ground swept by machine-gun fire. Not only did L/Cpl. Boardman contact both Platoon Commanders, but he successfully guided the right hand Platoon forward a distance of 300 yards up into line with the left Platoon in the face of heavy enemy fire. For some time he took command of this Platoon as the Pl Cmd and Pl Sgt had become casualties.

During one of his many journeys between Coy H.Q. and the Platoons he gave first aid to two wounded men, and single-handed shot three Germans and put a fourth to flight who attempted to interfere with him when he was bandaging up the wounded men. Throughout the whole action which lasted from first light to 0900 hrs on the following day, he displayed great courage and initiative and an entire disregard for his own personal safety. His cheerfulness throughout the night, despite hunger and all the dangers of street fighting was inspiring to those around him.’