Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Great War D.C.M. group of six awarded to Company Sergeant-Major F. W. Bean, 16th Battalion Rifle Brigade, who won his award at the same time as the Victoria Cross of Sergeant W. F. Burman, near Ypres in September 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7001 C.S. Mjr. F. W. Bean, 16/Rif. Brig.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (I7001 Pte., Rifle Brigade); 1914-15 Star (7001 Cpl., Rif. Brig.); British War and Victory Medals (7001 W.O. Cl. 2, Rif. Brig.); Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (607799 C.S. Mjr., D.C.M. 153/Coy. Lab. C.) contact marks, otherwise about nearly very fine (6) £1200-1500

M.S.M. London Gazette 18 January 1919.

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 November 1917, citation 6 February 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. He was always in front of the company, leading the men on and inspiring them with confidence. When the position had been captured he went out with two men to where about forty of the enemy were holding up the advance of part of another unit. He succeeded in killing or capturing the whole party, taking two officers and twenty other ranks prisoners. His prompt and courageous act was of the greatest assistance to the advance.’

This action took place on 20 September 1917, sout-east of Ypres. One of the two men mentioned in the above citation was Sergeant W. F. Burman, of the same battalion, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for this and other acts of gallantry. His citation reads:

‘For most conspicuous bravery when the advance of his company was held up by an enemy machine-gun firing at point-blank range. He shouted to the men next to himto wait a few minutes and, going forward alone to what seemed certain death, killed the enemy gunner and carried the gun to the company objective where he subsequently used it with great effect. By this exceptionally gallant deed the progress of the attack was assured. About fifteen minutes later it was observed that the battalion on the left was being impeded by a party of about forty of the enemy who were enfilading them. Sergeant Burman with two others ran forward and got behind the enemy, killing six and capturing two officers and twenty-nine other ranks.’