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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 204

The very fine Gird Trench M.C. group of six awarded to Captain H. J. Walsh, 7th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, late King Edward's Horse

Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (292 Cpl. H. J. Walsh. K. Edw. H.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. H. J. Walsh.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (6)

M.C. London Gazette 25 November 1916:

'Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Walsh.

For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a bombing attack with great courage and skill, gaining his objective and bombing the enemy down the trench.'

Henry James Walsh served in France with King Edward's Horse from 22 April 1915. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant into the Leicestershire Regiment in January 1916 and closed out the Great War as Captain & Adjutant of the 7th Battalion. It was for the daring attack on Gird Trench at Guedecourt on 26 September that his decoration was won. The War Diary gives more detail:

'At 11.00am this party moved off on FLERS, when the TANK was motioned, and thence to GIRD TRENCH. Each man carried 2 bombs, 2 sandbags and 2 extra bandoliers of ammunition in addition to his normal equipment, while a supply of 1500 was drawn from Brigade HQ. The whole party was under the command of Captain A. W. H. TYLER, the bombers being led by 2nd Lt. H. J. WALSH. The attack was launched at 7.15am. The TANK moving along the trench from PILGRIM WAY eastwards followed closely by the Battalion bombers, who were kept supplied with bombs by “C” and “D” Companies. The attack was extremely successful. Many of the enemy were killed in the trench, all dug outs were bombed with great effort. Phosphorous bombs proving very useful for this purpose. In about 20 minutes the trench was cleared as far as WATLING STREET, here a break in the trench caused by the SUNKEN ROAD caused a temporary check. But 2nd Lt. WALSH worked his men around the gap in sections and continued the advance without loss. Our men entirely out threw the German bombers, and when 200 yards beyond WATLING STREET the TANK left the trench and succeeded towards the village the bombers were able to carry on without a check at this point a large number of the enemy left their trench and surrendered to the troops holding the trench to their front. By 9.45am our bombers effected a junction with the GUARDS Division from LES BOEUFS and the whole of GIRD TRENCH was in our hands.'

Walsh was noted as having further served with the South Staffordshire Regiment.

For his miniature dress medals, please see Lot 327.

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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480