Auction Catalogue

17 January 2024

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Live Online Auction

Download Images

Lot

№ 272

.

17 January 2024

Hammer Price:
£1,300

A Great War ‘Battle of Cambrai’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant H. W. Chatt, 12th Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, for gallantry at La Vacquerie on 1 December 1917

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (R-5058 Sjt: H. W. Chatt. 12/K.R. Rif: C.); 1914-15 Star (R-5058 Pte. H. W. Chatt. K.R. Rif: C.); British War and Victory Medals (R-5058 Sjt. H. W. Chatt. K.R. Rif. C.) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 1 May 1918:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was holding a trench with a small party, when the enemy made two bombing attacks in strength, which drove his men back. Rallying them, he led them forward again, and, himself throwing bombs and attacking the enemy by means of rifle fire, succeeded in driving the enemy right back. He displayed the utmost coolness and gallantry throughout, and his conduct was a fine example to all.’

Accompanied by a 20th (Light) Division gallantry certificate reporting the gallant conduct of ‘No. R/5058 Sergt. H. Chatt, 12th K.R.R.C. on 1.12.17 at LA VACQUERIE, where he rallied the men & drove the enemy back, and was instrumental in defeating further enemy attacks.’

Henry W. Chatt came from Deptford, London, and served with the 12th K.R.R.C. in France from 23 July 1915.

Sold with copied photograph of Corporal Chatt and his wife on their wedding day, D.C.M. and Medal Index Cards, and Battalion War Diary Summary for November and December 1917 which gives detailed account of the action near Gonnelieu and La Vacquerie on 31 November/1 December.