The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. awarded to Lance-Corporal W. H. Willis, 1st/7th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, for his gallantry during the Battle of Aubers, 10 May 1915

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (955 L. Cpl. W. H. Willis. 1/7 Middx: Regt. -T.F.) polished, nearly very fine £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 5 August 1915:
‘For conspicuous gallantry on 10 May 1915 near Rouges Banes. Seeing four men lying in the open twenty yards in front of our barbed wire he crawled out to them with food and water. He was under fire the whole time, and one of the wounded to whom he was attending was killed by it. Later, he assisted in bringing in the three surviving men.’

William H. Willis, a native of Enfield, attested for the Middlesex Regiment (Territorial Force), and served with the 1st/7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 12 March 1915; his D.C.M. was awarded during the battle of Aubers, and was only the second to be awarded to the Battalion during the Great War. The Battalion History, by E. J. King, further notes that Willis ‘had previously attracted attention as a patrol leader, and been recommended for reward.’