A rare Great War D.C.M. and Bar, M.M. pair awarded to Staff Sergeant W. Brookes, Royal Army Medical Corps

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar (339298 S. Sjt. W. Brookes, M.M., R.A.M.C.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (339298 S. Sjt. W. Brookes, 63/(2/2 W. Lanc.) F.A. R.A.M.C.-T.F.), the second with slight edge bruise, otherwise good very fine or better (2) £2200-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the retreats in March, April and May and during the recent fighting on the Somme. As N.C.O. in charge of bearers he has in every action shown the most tireless devotion to duty and marked gallantry. He has constantly led his bearer squads through machine-gun and artillery fire, and his disregard of danger has been an example to all the unit.’

Bar to D.C.M. London Gazette 10 January 1920:

‘For great gallantry in front of Gouzeaucourt on 27 September 1918. Alone he reconnoitred and then led up bearer squads and got the wounded away. Again on 29 September, though knocked down and wounded by a shell, he carried a man in spite of shelling and machine gun fire to a place of safety, after which he collapsed.’

M.M. London Gazette 26 May 1917.

Wilfred Brookes, who was from Liverpool, and first entered the French theatre of war in early September 1915, was awarded all of his decorations for services in France and Flanders in 63rd West Lancashire Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C. (Territorial Force).

His MIC entry, which gives his surname as ‘Brooke’, also confirms that he was also the recipient of a Silver War Badge.