A Collection of Gallantry Awards to the South Wales Borderers

A Great War ‘Western Front’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private William Holliday, 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who died of wounds in April 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9-16760 Pte. W. Holliday, 6/S. Wales Bord:); 1914-15 Star (16760 Pte. W. Holliday, S. Wales Bord:); British War and Victory Medals (16760 Pte. W. Holliday, S. Wales Bord:) nearly extremely fine (4) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Gallantry Awards to the South Wales Borderers.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918. The recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the morning of the 25th March, Pte. Holliday was one of a Lewis Gun Team posted in a gap in the front line about 800 yards east of Sapignies. Small parties of Highland Light Infantry were withdrawing through the Sapignies line under very heavy machine-gun fire which caused many casualties. One wounded man of the Highland Light Infantry was abandoned about 200 yards in front of Pte. Holliday’s Post. He at once went out to him, dressed him, and carried him safely back to Behagnies under very heavy machine-gun barrage. Pte. Holliday rejoined the team again through heavy fire. Pte. Holliday’s team fought the gun, doing great execution from two positions and finally withdrew under orders from higher authority when the Germans were on three sides. Pte. Holliday showed magnificent courage and great coolness throughout 11 hours continuous action.’

Private William Holliday died of wounds on 13 April 1918, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery.