Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The extremely rare Great War ‘Somme’ D.C.M., 1918 ‘Capture of Meteren’ Second Award Bar, and ‘Battle of Courtrai’ Third Award Bar group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major T. E. Woodward, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was twice wounded in action during the Great War, including during the attack on Maltz Horn Farm, 9 July 1916. Regimentally unique, and 1 of only 11 D.C.M. and 2 Bars ever awarded

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. with Second and Third Award Bars (6360 C.Q.M. Sjt: T. E. Woodward. R. Sco: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (6360 Sjt T. E. Woodward. R. Sc: Fus:); British War and Victory Medals (6360 W.O. Cl. 2. T. E. Woodward. R. S. Fus.) mounted for wear, contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £14,000-£18,000

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

View
Collection

1 of only 11 D.C.M. and 2 Bars ever awarded, and Regimentally unique.

D.C.M. London Gazette 13 February 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He rendered most valuable assistance in reorganising the men of his company. Later, he showed great courage and initiative during bombing operations.’

D.C.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 30 October 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he went forward alone under heavy machine-gun fire, and bombed an enemy machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of a platoon of his company. His prompt and gallant act enabled the platoon to advanced and keep up with our barrage.’

D.C.M. Third Award Bar London Gazette 2 December 1919:
‘During the operations extending from 14th October to 20th October, 1918, he displayed marked gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 14th, at Rolleghem Cappelle, he collected men of various units, reorganised them, and led them forward. On the night of the 19/20th he did excellent work during the crossing of his company over the River Lys under a heavy barrage. On 20th October, at Belgick, when his company was moving forward to form a defensive flank, he was wounded, but carried on until he had got all his men in position. Throughout he set a splendid example to his N.C.O.’s and men.’

Thomas Edward Woodward was born in Berlin Terrace, Nottingham in February 1882, one of six brothers and sisters. He became an orphan during his childhood. Woodward attested for the Royal Scots Fusiliers at Nottingham in October 1899. He advanced to Lance Sergeant, before transferring to the Reserve in October 1911. Woodward resided with his wife at 140 King Street, Calton, Glasgow, and was mobilised in August 1914. He served during the Great War with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in the French theatre of war 23 March 1915 - 12 July 1916, and 13 December 1917 - 20 January 1919.

Woodward was wounded in action, 9 July 1916, and on the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 90th Brigade, 30th Division on the Somme:
‘Successful attack on Maltz Horn Farm (9/7) - on right of assault took Maltz Horn Trench via sunken road leading from La Briqueterie - Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel P. W. T. Macgregor-Whitton killed. Relieved and to Maricourt (11/7).’ (British Battalions on the Somme, by R. Westlake refers).

Having returned to the UK to recuperate, Woodward was awarded the first of his D.C.M.’s for his gallantry on the Somme. He advanced to Company Sergeant Major in March 1918, and next distinguished himself during the 9th (Scottish) Division’s capture of Meteren, Nord, France, 19 July 1918. The latter took place after a 2 week bombardment of the village, which levelled the surviving houses.

Woodward distinguished himself for a third time during the Battle of Courtrai, 14 - 19 October 1918, and was wounded in action for a second time, 21 October 1918. He was demobilised in March 1919, and after the war was employed as a Commissionaire by the Glasgow Corps of Commissionaires. Woodward resided at 161 Gala Street, Glasgow. He died in the city in June 1928, and was buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Glasgow.

Sold with copied research including photographic images of recipient in uniform.