A Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties

Three: Second Lieutenant J. D. W. McMichael, Worcestershire Regiment, who was killed in action at Vimy Ridge on 23 May 1916, having particularly distinguished himself in the fighting a month earlier

1914-15 Star (2.Lieut. J. D. W. Mc.Michael. Worc. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2.Lieut. J. D. W. Mc.Michael.); Memorial Plaque (John Douglas Wyld McMichael) in card envelope, extremely fine (4) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Great War Casualties.

View
Collection

John Douglas Wyld McMichael was born in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, and attested for the 9th (1st Birmingham City) Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 5 September 1914. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Worcestershire Regiment on 8 March 1915, and served with the 3rd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 September 1915. He distinguished himself during the fighting on Vimy Ridge in April 1916, the Regimental history containing the following account:
‘28 April was broken only by sniping and bombing around a new post. Nothing much occurred until darkness fell. Then, at about 7:30 p.m., a terrific explosion shook the ground. A huge mine had been exploded by the enemy under the parapet near the left flank of the Battalion’s line. A storm of firing followed as the enemy attacked. The new post at “Broadmasrsh Crater” was overwhelmed, but around the fresh crater formed by the explosion the bombers of the 3rd Worcestershire fought stubbornly. The defence was inspired by Second Lieutenant J. D. W. McMichael and by Captain T. P. Muspratt who, although severely wounded, refused to leave his company, and continued in command during four hours of heavy fighting until the danger had passed. The enemy seized the crater but their further advance was checked.’ For his gallantry that day Captain Muspratt was awarded the Military Cross.

Wounded, McMichael quickly recovered, but he was killed in action the following month on 23 May 1916:
‘After a day of heavy shelling the gun-fire rose to intensity at 8:25 p.m. and the counter-attack began. Through a storm of fire the assaulting platoons of the 3rd Worcestershire charged forward and retook “P79” with the bayonet; but on their left the enemy beat off the attack of the 47th Division and presently brought enfilade fire to bear on the position gained by the Battalion. The left half of “P79” had to be evacuated, but the Worcestershire succeeded in making a block half-way along the trench, and held the right half obstinately with bomb and bayonet. No further attack was attempted by either side, and gradually the gun-fire died down. The day’s work had cost the Battalion dear- nearly a hundred in all, including the gallant Second Lieutenant McMichael.’

McMichael is buried in Ecoivres Cemetery, France.

Sold with copied research, including various newspaper extracts.