Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1914 ‘Winter operations’ D.C.M. awarded to Private A. Smith, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, who distinguished himself in action, 14 December 1914, and was also wounded twice during the action only to be killed in action later the same day

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5777 Pte A. Smith. 3/Gord. Hdrs) toned, good very fine £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kenneth Petrie Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 1 April 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 14th December 1914, when under heavy close-range fire he crawled forward into the open to within 50 yards of the enemy, and bandaged two of his wounded comrades. In performing this act of gallantry he was himself wounded, but continued assisting others until his hand was shattered by a second shell.’

Alexander Dunn Smith was the son of Mrs E. Smith who resided at 150 West North Street, Aberdeen. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders in the French theatre of war from 7 October 1914. Smith distinguished himself in action, 14 December 1914, and was also wounded twice during the action only to be killed in action later the same day. On the latter date the Battalion:
‘Marched via Locre to Kemmel (13th). Advanced (14th) - ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies taking up forward trenches in readiness for attack on Maedelstraede Farm. War Diary records that British Artillery opened at 7am, many shells falling short of the enemy’s lines - “owing to the inadequate means of communication this could not be reported.” Attacked 7.45am. Enemy immediately opened up with heavy rifle and machine gun fire, War Diary recording that the attacking companies soon disappeared from view - “it was impossible to tell how they were progressing.” Report relieved that men were seen entering German trenches 8am. All attempts to contact forward troops unsuccessful. Message received 4.15pm from Lieutenant G. R. V. Hume-Gore of ‘D’ Company to the effect that he was isolated with 40 men in a position some 50 yards from German’s front trench. He had no knowledge of leading companies - ‘B’ and ‘C’. The officer also reported that 5 messengers had been sent back by him throughout the day - none having reached headquarters.... Battalion later ordered to withdraw to original firing line then after relief by 4th Middlesex moved back to Kemmel. Casualties - Captain C. Boddam-Whetham, Lieutenants W. F. R. Dobie, J. J. G. McWilliam killed, 4 officers wounded, 51 other ranks killed, 139 wounded, 63 missing.’ (British Battalions in France and Belgium 1914, by R. Westlake refers).

Private Smith is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Note: It would appear that the battalion number on Smith’s medal has been applied in error.