Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry

A Great War ‘Delville Wood’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant-Major T. Dearden, 1/5th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who was twice wounded and also recommended for the M.M. and Roumanian Croix de Virtute Militaire in addition to the D.C.M. Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (240533 C.S. Mjr. T. Dearden. 1/5 S. Lan: R.); 1914-15 Star (2327 Pte. T. Dearden, S. Lan. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2327 W.O. Cl. 2 T. Dearden. S. Lan. R.), mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £1,600-£2,000 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919; citation published 11 March 1920: ‘240533 C.S.M. T. Dearden, 1/5th Bn. S. Lan. R., T.F. (St. Helens).’ ‘For gallantry in action on many occasions. In September, 1916, at Delville Wood, when in command of a bombing section, he enabled his section to establish an advanced bombing block in a trench occupied by the enemy. It was due to him that the block was held through five hours continuous fighting.’ Two original recommendations have survived among a ‘list of recommendations forwarded to Brigade’ which lists Dearden for the award of the D.C.M. and M.M., and also for the Roumanian Croix de Virtute Militaire: (a) ‘For consistent gallantry and devotion to duty in the field since February 1915. This Acting Warrant Officer has invariably shewn a fine fighting spirit and marked gallantry in many engagements. His keenness, energy, and disregard of personal danger, have at all times been of the highest value to his Company. He has been wounded twice, on one occasion remaining at duty’. (b) ‘For gallantry in action on many occasions. In September 1916 at Delville Wood when acting N.C.O. i/c Bombing Section this W.O. by his gallantry and resourcefulness enabled his section to establish an advanced Bombing Block in a trench held by the enemy. It was due to his gallantry and initiative that the block was held through five hours continuous fighting, and he did not leave his post till the battalion was relieved six days later when the position was handed over firmly established. On the 9th of April [1918] near La Bassee, after the first shock of the enemy attack, this N.C.O., who was then commanding a platoon, was sent up to hold a forward trench. For four days he held the trench under constant and heavy shell fire and during this time, by his example and gallantry, he inspired his platoon to maintain a stubborn resistance and offensive spirit. This W.O. has acted as C.S.M. for five months and has always proved himself resourceful and set a fine example to the men of his Company. He has not previously been decorated, though recommended for rewards on at least two occasions.’ Sold with copied recommendations, war diary entries for September 1916 and April 1918, Medal Index Card and other research, together with three original postcards - one postmarked Dartford 28 June 1915, when, having been wounded, he writes from hospital to his mother at 116 Peter Street, St. Helens, Lancashire.