Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1916 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Private Madden, 7th (Service) Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, later 2nd Battalion, who died of wounds on the Western Front, 17 February 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (15130 Pte M. Madden. 7/S. Lanc: R.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £500-£700

D.C.M. London Gazette 22 September 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. When some men of another unit retired, he left his trench on his own initiative, met those men and lead them back to the attack.’

Martin Madden was employed as a miner prior to his enlistment in the South Lancashire Regiment in October 1914. He served during the Great War with the 7th (Service) Battalion in the French theatre from 18 July 1915. Madden transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 6 August 1916, and returned to the UK, 6 September 1916. Both battalions served on the Somme, and Madden returned to France in December 1916.

Private Madden died of wounds on the Western Front, 17 February 1917, and is buried in Bailleule Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.