A fine Great War ‘Western Front 1915’ D.C.M. group of four awarded...

A fine Great War ‘Western Front 1915’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant A. Grindrod, 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, for gallantry in a successful night attack on the enemy’s trenches south of Warneton railway near Le Touquet; together with a gold presentation pocket watch from the inhabitants of Foulridge (Colne)

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (5602 Cpl. A. Grindrod. 11/Lanc: Fus:); 1914-15 Star (5602 Pte. A. Grindrod. Lan. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (5602 Sjt. A. Grindrod. Lan. Fus.) together with a very fine 9 carat gold Hunter pocket watch, the white dial with Roman numerals and secondary dial, signed A. Clark, Penge, the outer case engraved with monogram ‘AG’, the inner case with presentation inscription, ‘Presented to 5602 Sgt. Allan Grindrod 11th Battn. Lancs. Fus. by the Inhabitants of Foulridge in Honour of his receiving the Distinguished Conduct Medal, 17.3.17’, the watch seemingly in good working order, the medals unmounted, nearly very fine (5) £1,200-£1,600

Footnote
D.C.M. London Gazette 22 January 1916:
‘For conspicuous gallantry south of Warneton railway on the night of 28th/29th December, 1915, when, with an assaulting party, he rushed forward in front of his comrades into the enemy’s trench and continued along it bombing all the time under heavy fire.’

Allan Grindrod was a son of Mr and Mrs T. Grindrod, of Station Road, Foulridge, Colne, Lancashire. Prior to enlisting in September 1914, he was employed as a weaver by Messrs Lonsdale & Co., Foulridge. He went to France on 25 September 1915, where he served with the 11th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Sold with a pre-War family group photograph, together with copied research including gazette notice, article from the Colne & Nelson Times announcing award of D.C.M. with portrait, extracts from the Battalion War Diary and Regimental History giving a good account of the action of 28-29 December.