Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1914 ‘Battle of La Bassée’ D.C.M. awarded to Sergeant, later Second Lieutenant, H. Byard, 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry, who having been commissioned for service in the field, was killed in action on the Western Front, 6 November 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (8468 Sjt: H. Byard. 1/D.C.L.I.) edge bruising, otherwise very fine £800-£1,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 April 1915:

‘For gallantry on 22nd October, 1914, at La Rue Marais. Accompanied by a small party he attacked and captured a house occupied by the enemy. A machine gun was also taken from the enemy on this occasion.’

Hubert Byard was the son of W. M. Byard of 29 Park Street, Gloucester, and attested for the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry at Gloucester in September 1906. He advanced to Sergeant and distinguished himself with the Battalion during the Battle of La Bassée. Having just left the line for a rest on 22 October 1914:

‘The Cornwalls were at once turned out and ordered to move up to the western side of the Estaires - La Bassée road and counter-attack the enemy who were known to be holding the village of Rue du Marais [sic] and threatening the right of the K.O.S.B. and the left of the 15th Brigade.

This counter-attack was to be launched from the direction of La Quinque Rue, in conjunction with an attack by the Manchesters who had been temporarily attached to the 15th Brigade. The 3rd Worcesters (of the 7th Brigade) were ordered to support the attack of the Cornwalls and the 15th Brigade was to attack from the west simultaneously.

The enemy, however, was in great strength and the 15th Brigade was unable to get on; neither were the Manchesters able to make progress. The Cornwalls reached the outer houses of Rue du Marais but were there held up. They remained in this position all day. At 4pm the guns opened heavy fire on the enemy and prevented him making any further advance.’ (Regimental History refers)

Byard was commissioned Second Lieutenant for service in the Field, 4 October 1917. Second Lieutenant Byard was killed in action on the Western Front, 6 November 1917, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

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