Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Pusieux Trench, Battle of the Ancre’ D.C.M. group of five awarded to Lieutenant William Henman, Gloucetershire Regiment, late 8th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9004 C.S. Mjr: W. Henman. 8/Som: L.I.); 1914 Star, with clasp (9004 Cpl. W. Henman. Som: L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. W. Henman.); War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, contact pitting, otherwise very fine (5) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 March 1917:
‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. He took command of a large party of his company, and handled them with great gallantry under most trying conditions.’

The Battalion War Diary notes: ‘Distinguished Conduct Medal. No. 9004 C.S.M. William Henman.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry on the 18th November and in particular for taking command of a large part of his Company when no officers were present, his Company Commander being killed. He kept them together and assisted them greatly by his example and coolness.’ [This was during the attack upon PUSIEUX TRENCH, near Beaucourt, Battle of the Ancre, 1916]

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 March 1917.

William Henman served in France from 21 August 1914. He was admitted to 1st Casualty Hospital with influenza on 18 September 1914, but rejoined the battalion on 7 October, and returned to England on 7 December 1914. He afterwards served with the 8th Battalion on the Somme, and won the D.C.M. for gallantry during the Battle of the Ancre on 18 November 1916. His name is recorded on the Wounded List from 5 January 1917. Henman was granted a commission as 2nd Lieutenant to the 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment, on 26 November 1917, and to be Temporary Lieutenant, for service with West African Frontier Force, on 2 October 1918. Placed on the retired list on 27 February 1924, he was recalled fro the Reserve of Officers, to be Garrison Adjutant, on 23 August 1939. He retried as War Substantive Captain, on account of ill-health, on 11 July 1942.

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