Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Battle of Messines - Hill 60’ D.C.M., 1916 ‘Somme - attack on Contalmaison’ M.M. group of five awarded to Regimental Sergeant-Major D. F. McKrill, 10th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment, who was twice wounded during his D.C.M.-winning action and later commissioned into the West Yorkshire Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (13233 C.S. Mjr: D. F. McKrill. 10/W. Rid: R.); Military Medal, G.V.R. (13233 Sjt: D. F. McKrill. 10/W. Rid: R.); 1914-15 Star (13233 L-Cpl. D. F. McKaill. [sic] W. Rid. R.); British War and Victory Medals (13233 A-W.O. Cl. 1 D. F. McKrill. W. Rid. R.) mounted for display, good very fine (5) £2,000-£2,400

D.C.M. London Gazette 25 August 1917:
‘Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. Although wounded early in the action, he remained with his company, greatly assisting his commander in rallying his men under machine-gun fire, until he was wounded for the second time. His fine example and pluck did much to encourage the men.’
Annotated Gazette states: ‘South of Hill 60, 7 June 1917’.

M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1916.
The Battalion War Diary gives the following citation: ‘Displayed the greatest bravery and coolness under exceedingly heavy artillery fire. He continually went up and down his platoon steadying the men and by his example and assistance greatly assisted in keeping an unbroken line during the advance on Contalmaison.’

(David) Fred McKrill was born in Middlesborough, Yorkshire, in December 1888 and prior to the war was employed as a clerk. He served in France with the 10th Battalion, West Riding Regiment from 26 August 1915. The Battalion formed part of the 69th Brigade, 23rd Division on the Somme, July - October 1916. McKrill was awarded the M.M. for his gallantry during the attack and capture of Contalmaison, 10 July 1916. He advanced to Acting Regimental Sergeant Major, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment on 17 March 1919. McKrill died at Guisborough, Yorkshire, in March 1936.

Sold with copied research, including Medal Index Cards for 1914-15 Star (McKaill) and Pair (McKrill) together with a photographic image of recipient wearing his medals.