Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme - Gauche Wood’ M.C. group of four awarded to Captain D. E. C. Crowther, 8th (Service) Battalion, Rifle Brigade attached 9th (Service) Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, late Private, 19th (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (2nd Public Schools), for his gallantry at Villers Guislain on 18 September 1918

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (6192 Pte D. E. C. Crowther. R. Fus.) attempt to obliterate all details except for initials and surname; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. D. E. C. Crowther.) very fine (4) £700-£900

M.C. London Gazette 1 February 1919:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 18th September, 1918, at Villers Guislain. When the enemy counter-attacked, and the troops on his left were driven back, exposing his flank, he brought up some men and captured machine guns to cover his flank, and he held on to his position, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. The counter-attack failed, and the line was held thanks to his untiring efforts and personal disregard of danger.’

Dudley Earle Charlesworth Crowther initially served during the Great War as a Private with the 19th (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (2nd Public Schools) in the French theatre of war from 14 November 1915. He was commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant in the 7th (Service) Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in September 1916.

The 7th (Service) Battalion was disbanded in France, 20 February 1918, and Crowther transferred as Acting Captain to the 8th (Service) Battalion, Rifle Brigade. He was attached to the 9th (Service) Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry for the action at Gauche Wood, Villers Guislain, Somme, for which he was awarded the M.C.

After the war Crowther resided at Collingham Bridge, Leeds, Yorkshire.

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