A rare Italy operations D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant A. Wanklin, Worcestershire Regiment, who was killed in action at Beaurevoir on 5 October 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240026 Sjt. A. Wanklin, 1/8 Worc. R.); 1914-15 Star (545 L. Sjt., Worc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (545 Sjt., Worc. R.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (545 Pte., 8/Worc. Regt.), with related Memorial Plaque (Albert Wanklin), nearly extremely fine (6) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties formed by Tim Parsons.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1918 (for Italy):

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, and consistent ability, on many occasions when in command of his platoon in action. He has always volunteered for patrols, and his courage, cheerfulness and fine example have had a most inspiring effect on all with him.’

Following his gallant services in Italy, Wanklin returned to France and was killed in action at Beaurevoir on 5 October 1918, while serving in ‘C’ Company of the 1/8th Battalion:

‘ ... ‘C’ Company meanwhile had wheeled somewhat to the left, in accordance with previous orders, to gain the northern side of the village. Passing to the east of Bellevue Farm, the company came under a sharp fire from machine-guns on the left flank. The two leading platoons suffered heavy loss ...’

The following obituary notice appeared in the Droitwich and Redditch Weekly Messenger:

‘Mrs. Wanklin has received official notification that her husband, Sergeant Albert Wanklin, D.C.M., was killed in action on October 5th. Sergeant Wanklin was in the Worcestershire Regiment (T.F.) and the information of his death was first conveyed to Mrs. Wanklin in a letter from the commanding officer of the battalion, who said:

“It is with the deepest regret and most heartfelt sympathy that I have to inform you of the death in action of your husband, who was killed when leading his platoon in an attack on October 5th. He always set a most wonderful example of personal bravery, unselfish devotion to duty, and physical endurance, and having had the honour and pleasure of serving with him so many years, I feel his loss much more than words can express.”

Sergeant Wanklin was among the local Territorials who went up in August 1914, and had been on service ever since. He had previously served in the Volunteers and the Territorials for some fifteen years, and held the Territorial [Force Efficiency] Medal [Army Order 234 of 1 July 1913]. He was gassed while serving in France two years ago. In June of this year he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wanklin, also of Melbourne Road, and leaves a widow and one child. Before the war he was employed at Bromsgrove Railway Wagon Works.’

Wanklin, who was described by one regimental source as the ‘best and most loved of N.C.Os’, was interred in Beaurevoir British Cemetery, near St. Quentin; photographs of his headstone are included.