Auction Catalogue

25 & 26 September 2019

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 64

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25 September 2019

Hammer Price:
£2,400

A Great War 1917 ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., 1916 ‘Somme - attack on Contalmaison’ M.M. group of five awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major D. F. McKrill, 10th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment, twice wounded during the conflict and later commissioned in the West Yorkshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13233 C.S. Mjr: D. F. McKrill. 10/W. Rid: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (13233 Sjt: D. F. McKrill. 10/W. Rid: R.); 1914-15 Star (13233 L-Cpl. D. F. McKaill. [sic] W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (13233 A-W.O. Cl. 1 D. F. McKrill. W. Rid. R.) mounted for display, generally very fine or better (5) £2,000-£2,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 August 1917:

‘Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. Although wounded early in the action, he remained with his company, greatly assisting his commander in rallying his men under machine-gun fire, until he was wounded for the second time. His fine example and pluck did much to encourage the men.’

M.M.
London Gazette 23 August 1916, the Battalion War Diary gives the following citation:

‘Displayed the greatest bravery and coolness under exceedingly heavy artillery fire. He continually went up and down his platoon steadying the men and by his example and assistance greatly assisted in keeping an unbroken line during the advance on Contalmaison.’

David Fred McKrill served during the Great War with ‘C’ Company, 10th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment on the Western Front. The Battalion served as part of the 69th Brigade, 23rd Division on the Somme, July - October 1916. McKrill was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during the attack and capture of Contalmaison, 10 July 1916. He advanced to Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment in March 1919. McKrill died in March 1936.

Sold with copied research, and a photographic image of recipient wearing his medals.