Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Great War D.C.M. awarded to Corporal G. Birtwistle, 1st Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (17560 Cpl., 1/R. Lanc. R) very fine £500-600

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 October 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This N.C.O. and the officer in command of the party were the first to enter an enemy post during a daylight raid. He behaved most gallantly and coolly dealt with the garrison, disarming them by throwing three rifles over the trench before they could seize them when they were surprised, and cutting the signal wire. He effectively covered the withdrawal of the party when the object had been obtained, and was the last man to regain our lines. He personally recovered the body of a comrade who had been killed in the raid.’