The Brian Kieran Collection

A Great War D.C.M. group of five awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 H. Riley, Manchester Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (11978 Sjt. H. Riley, 19/Manch. R.); 1914-15 Star (11978 Pte. H. Riley, Manch. R.); British War and Victory Medals (11978 W.O. Cl. 2 H. Riley, Manch. R.); France, Croix de Guerre 1914-1916, mounted as worn, generally good very fine (5) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 26 July 1917:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With a small party he gained the enemy trench, and despite their being opposed on both flanks, succeeded in holding on all night until supports arrived. He set a splendid example of courage and coolness under trying circumstances.’

Harold Riley first entered the French theatre of war in early November 1915. The 19th (4th City) Battalion, Manchester Regiment, subsequently participated in the attack on Glatz Redoubt on the first day of the Somme in July 1916, in addition to a costly attack on Guillemont on the 23rd of the same month, when its advancing ranks became entrapped in uncut wire.