Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Ypres’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Sergeant F. Brockbank, Cheshire Regiment, who also received a 39th Division Commendation Card

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (267965 Sjt: F. Brockbank. 6/Ches: R. -T.F.) minor official correction to number; British War and Victory Medals (15164 Sjt. F. Brockbank. Ches. R.) with named card box of issue for the campaign medals, extremely fine (3) £800-£1,200

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2005.

D.C.M. London Gazette 6 February 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on the final objective he took command of his company and handled it with great success. Having reached his objective, he dug in and consolidated in an excellent tactical position, and, in spite of every effort of the enemy to regain it, held it until relieved. He displayed the utmost coolness under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, and by his fearless and cheerful manner set a splendid example to his men.’
The original citation is additionally annotated ‘Shrewsbury Forest, 20 September 1917’.

Frank Brockbank attested for the Cheshire Regiment (Territorial Force), and served with the 6th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front. In accordance with the re-numbering of all Territorial Forces in early 1917 his regimental number was changed from 15164 to 267965. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry at Shrewsbury Forest, east of Ypres, on 20 September 1917. The Battalion War diary gives the following account:

‘The Battalion moved during the evening of 19 September to assembly position on Shrewsbury Forest sector in reserve to 117th Infantry Brigade. The assembly was completed by 2am: two companies being in the forward position and two in reserve to the 17th King’s Royal Rifles.
At 7:40am on 20 September one company moved forward to reinforce the 17th K.R.R. holding the Red line, who had suffered heavily from casualties, the second company moving forward shortly afterwards to reinforce the left flank. About this time the Commanding Officer was instructed to proceed to the Ravine to reconnoitre for an opportunity to deliver a counterattack with the remaining companies in reserve. After reconnaissance he reported that the situation did not demand a counterattack, and instructions were then issued to send one company forward in the attack being made by the 41st Division.
At 6:30pm the company under Second Lieutenant W. D. Riley advanced with the greatest gallantry under machine gun fire and ultimately captured the objective - the Green line - at 7:10pm. Unfortunately the Division on the left got no further that the Bassevillebeek and the company, after holding on all night, were ultimately obliged to withdraw to re-establish contact with the right flank of the 41st Division.’

For his gallantry Brockbank was also awarded a 39th Division Commendation Card, dated 13 October 1917:
‘The Major-General Commanding the 39th Division wishes to place on record his appreciation of your conspicuous gallantry east of Ypres on 20 September 1917, when you took command of your company and captured and held your objectives despite every effort of the enemy to retake them.’

Sold together with the recipient’s original 39th Division commendation card; and copied research.