DCM Casualty Group South Wales Borderers

Code: 51482

Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals 16760 Private. W. Holliday. South Wales Borderers

A Great War Western Front D.C.M. group of four medals, awarded to Private William Holliday, 6th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, who died of wounds on 13th April 1918, comprising Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (9 -16760) Pte. W. Holliday, 6/S. Wales Bord.), 1914-1915 Star (16760 Pte. W Holliday, S.Wales Bord:) (4) Notes: D.C.M. London Gazette 3 September 1918. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the morning of the 25th March, Pte. Holliday was on 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 causalities. 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.' Pte. Holliday was a London man from Hoxton. He enlisted in Newport in Gwent. He landed in France on 24th Sept. 1915. Photo image included. Private William Holliday died of wound on 13 April 1918, and is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Ex DNW 19th July 2017