Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Mesopotamia’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant Major W. Neill, East Lancashire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (6-7944 C. S. Mjr., 6/E. Lan. R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (9281 Cpl., E. Lanc. Regt.) suspension claw re-fixed; King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (9281 Pte., E. Lanc. Regt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (7944 Pte., 2/E. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (7944 W.O. Cl.2., E. Lan. R.) contact wear and edge bruising, otherwise generally nearly very fine or better (6) £400-450

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 May 1918. ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of the company after all the officers had become casualties, he showed great initiative in reorganising the company when exposed to heavy fire. He remained in command of the company throughout the day and following night, and rendered exceptionally valuable service, displaying marked efficiency and energy on all occasions.’

The regimental history states that Neill was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in the action near Three Ridges on 30 April 1917. Sold with further research, including two copied photographs of recipient.