The Collection of Medals formed by Dr A W Stott

A Great War D.C.M. group of four awarded to Regimental Sergeant Major W. Watkins, 6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for gallantry during the March Retreat of 1918
Four: Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (48004 R.S.Mjr. W. Watkins, 6/Lan.Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (48004 W.O. Cl.I, Lan. Fus.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (5037 C.Sjt., E. Lanc. R.) nearly extremely fine (4)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed By Dr A W Stott.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a retirement lasting many days. On several occasions he displayed the greatest courage and initiative in collecting stragglers and leading counter attacks, when officers had become casualties, and throughout a most trying period he showed a very high standard of energy and devotion.’

Watkins was R.S.M. of the 6th Battalion and served throughout the March Retreat of 1918. At the end of the 10 days rearguard action, the 6th Battalion had only 1 officer and 80 men fit for duty, out of 33 officers and 753 men who had formed the battalion on 21 March 1918.