A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M., M.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer A. Astin, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (7851 Cpl. A. Astin. 2/R. Welsh F.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (7851 Sjt.-A.C.S. Mjr. A. Astin. D.C.M. 13/R.W. Fus.) official correction to ‘T’ of surname; 1914 Star (7851 Pte. A. Astin. 2/R.W. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (7851 A.W.O. Cl. 2. A. Astin. R.W. Fus.) together with his original ‘Small Book’ in leather wallet, good very fine (5) £2,400-£2,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 23rd Foot Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 15 March 1916:

‘For conspicuous gallantry. During a successful attack he crossed the open many times, under heavy fire, in order to bring up supplies of bombs.’

M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919.

Albert Astin attested for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Burnley, Lancashire, on 25 August 1903, aged 18 years, for a period of three years in the Army and 9 years in the reserve. He was accordingly called up from the reserve on the outbreak of war and proceeded to France with 2/R.W.F. on 11 August 1914. The Burnley Express of 18 March 1916 reported: ‘BOMB THROWER’S MEDAL. HONOUR FOR BURNLEY SOLDIER. Another Burnley soldier to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal is Corporal A. Astin (7851) of the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The official announcement of the honour was made in the supplement to the London Gazette on Wednesday evening. Corporal Astin formerly lived at 26 Milton Street, Burnley, and was working as a weaver at Harle Syke when the war broke out. As a reservist he was immediately called back to the colours, and went through the retreat from Mons. He has done a great deal of bomb throwing, and it is for his fine work in this way that the medal has been awarded.’ He was also granted a Silver War Badge.