Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Aubers Ridge’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Sergeant H. E. Needs, 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7411 L.Sjt., 1/Glouc. Regt.); 1914 Star, with slide type Mons clasp (7411 L.Cpl., 1/Glouc.R.); British War and Victory Medals (7411 Cpl., Glouc. R.) good very fine (4)

D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916, details London Gazette 11 March 1916. ‘For conspicuous gallantry. While acting as a stretcher bearer, he dressed and brought in from the front of the parapet several wounded men under heavy fire.’

The 1st Battalion War Diary gives a more detailed citation in recommending awards for the action on 9 May 1915 [Operations at Rue de Bois, Aubers Ridge]: ‘L/Cpl. Needs, Pte. Harris. Dressing and bringing in from the front of the parapet several wounded men under heavy fire while acting as stretcher bearers. These men did continuous good work all day, both in the fire trench and in the open between the fire and support trench.’ Sold with further details of this action in which the battalion suffered total casualties of 11 officers and 253 men.