Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front 1918’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major William Hedley, 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, late Coldstream Guards

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (34123 C.S. Mjr.-T.R.S. Mjr. - W. Hedley. 2/4 Oxf: & Bucks: L.I.); 1914-15 Star (4653 Sjt. W. Hedley. C. Gds.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (4653 T.W.O. Cl. 1. W. Hedley. C. Gds.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (5373884 W.O. Cl. II. W. Hedley. Oxf. & Bucks. L.I.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (5) £1,000-£1,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 11 March 1920:

‘He has always set a very fine example of smartness and discipline to all ranks under the most trying conditions. On several occasions his coolness and steadiness under fire has been most noticeable. On consecutive nights during April and May, 1918, near Robecq, he, by the able execution of his duties, rendered valuable service to his battalion.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 May 1917: Company Sergeant-Major, Coldstream Guards.

William Hedley served in France with the Coldstream Guards from 21 December 1915. He joined the 2/4th Battalion O.B.L.I. in France with a draft from England on 7 April 1918. The regimental history records that he was gassed in the Nieppe Forrest area on the night of 7/8 August.

Sold with cap badges and tie pins for both regiments, and a D.C.M. League enamelled lapel badge.