The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) came into being during the Crimean War and was, until 1993, the second highest decoration awarded to 'other ranks' in the British Army for gallantry, bravery and devotion to duty. As a result of a review of the honours system, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (equivalent to the DCM) and the Distinguished Service Order (awarded to officers) were discontinued and replaced with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. This recognises distinction regardless of rank. Below shows the precedence of these awards prior to 1993:
Since 1993 the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross has served as the second highest award for gallantry. This applies to all ranks across the entirity of the armed forces.
The citations of the DCM were published in the Supplement to the London Gazette. These can be searched for using the Gazettes-Online website where scanned images of the pages are available for free to view in pdf format. As the majority of these citations are for conspicuous gallantry of varying degrees, a search using the word 'gallantry' followed by the soldier's surname and/or 'border' (for Border Regiment) usually yields a positive result, however, there may be several individuals or pages listed in the search results.
The DCMs here have been trancribed as accurately as possible but please be aware there may be some typos or others errors as part of this process.
| A
|
| Number
| Rank
| Name
| Other details
| Citation
| Date published
|
| 271
| Sjt. (A/CSM)
| T. AITKEN
| 5th Bn. TF
| For conspicuous gallantry and consistent gallantry when organising and directing dangerous work in front of the parapet. He has set a fine example.
| 21.6.16
|
| 8334
| Sjt.
| F. le B. ALLBEURY
|
| For conspicuous gallantry in action. He proceeded along the enemy trench and affected the capture of 12 prisoners. He has set a splendid example of courage and devotion to duty.
| 12.3.17
|
| 22600
| Cpl.
| F.W. ATWOOD
|
| For conspicuous gallantry in action. He fought his machine gun with great courage and determination throughout the operations, accounting for many of the enemy.
| 13.2.17
|
| B
|
| 7/14636
| L/Sjt.
| W. BARWICK
| 7th Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry, when it was largely due to his promptness and courage with his bombers that the enemy was driven back from occupying the crater formed by a mine which they had exploded.
| 15.3.16
|
| 7015
| CSM
| W. BECKETT
| 1st Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry on the 21st August 1915, at Suvla Bay. After all the officers had been killed or wounded, Sergeant Beckett assumed command, and with great bravery and ability led the firing line forward close up to the enemy’s trenches.
| 11.3.16
|
| 33267
| Pte.
| E. BEECH
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed great fearlessness in going forward to an outpost line six times with messages, on each occasion having to go through heavy hostile barrage.
| 16.8.17
|
| 10229
| Sjt.
| S. BELL
| (Hackney)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a raid. When the advance was held up he crawled round behind the enemy forces holding the position and used his rifle most effectively, although wounded. He repeated this manoeuvre several times, and his determination and cool courage had a very disconcerting effect on the enemy, while his independent action caused them many casualties and saved many of the raiding party.
| 15.11.18
|
| 27963
| Pte.
| T. BELL
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when with an officer’ reconnoitring patrol. He and a comrade rushed an enemy post and shot the garrison, in spite of heavy fire from a number of concealed enemy posts. On two previous occasions he had shown the greatest coolness and courage in carrying messages during an attack, and in guiding parties through the enemy barrage. His behaviour was uniformly admirable.
| 23.8.17
|
| 6000
| Pte.
| J. BERRY
| 1st Bn.
| For great gallantry on the 28th June 1915, on the Gallipoli peninsula. Accompanied by a Sergeant, he was the first man in an attack to enter a Turkish trench, driving the enemy back with the bayonet. He displayed great bravery and coolness, and gave a fine example of devotion to duty.
| 6.9.15
|
| 240074
| Sjt.
| J. BERWICK
| (Workington)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led many successful patrols and took part in raids on the enemy’s lines. He has set a magnificent example to his men.
| 17.4.18
|
| 9243
| Pte.
| J. BEWSHER
| 1st Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry on the 28th June 1915, on the Gallipoli peninsula. He led an attack on an enemy trench, clearing it with hand to hand fighting with the bayonet. Later in the day he volunteered to carry a message over open ground swept by heavy fire, and, although wounded, he successfully struggled back and delivered the answer. He gave an exhibition of great bravery and devotion to duty.
| 6.9.15
|
| 5776
| A/CSM
| G.E. BLUNT
| 1st Bn. (London)
| For great gallantry and devotion to duty during the period 25th February to 17th September 1918. He has taken part in all arrangements with the battalion during this period. He has been for a large part of the time commanding a platoon, and on several occasions Acting CSM. He has at all times when under fire shown gallantry and coolness and set a very fine example to the men.
| 3.9.19
|
| 11826
| Pte. (L/CPL.)
| W. BLYTON
| (Wigan)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His company forward posts were attacked and driven in by the enemy. A counter-attack was at once made, and, although badly wounded, he rushed from post to post, single-handed killing ten of the enemy and taking four prisoners. His great courage and cheerful spirit so inspired all with him that all the posts were retaken.
| 3.9.18
|
| 9479
| Sjt.
| R.L. BOOTH
| 2nd Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry and resource during the action of 2nd November 1914, when he left the advance trench under a destructive fire, collected men, and with great coolness brought them into a position where there was every prospect of the enemy breaking through.
| 1.4.15
|
| 15919
| Sjt.
| F. BOWMAN
| (Keswick)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when his company, having been ordered to counter-attack, he volunteered to go forward and ascertain the position of the enemy in company with an officer and another man, but his party was bombed back. Later, he went out with another officer and a corporal. This time they bombed the enemy out of the trench, enabling the company to occupy it without further fighting.
| 3.9.18
|
| 1483
| Sjt.
| H. BRADBURY
|
| For conspicuous gallantry in action. He several times crossed the open under heavy fire to ensure communication between two companies. Later, as a sniper, he rendered valuable services, himself accounting for at least ten enemy snipers. He displayed great courage and determination throughout.
| 14.11.16
|
| 6615
| L/Cpl.
| R. BREWER
| 2nd Bn.
| For gallant conduct on the 18th December 1914, at Rouges Bancs, in advancing with great gallantry to within ten yards of the enemy’s trenches and assisting another man to rescue a wounded Officer.
| 1.4.15
|
| 6507
| Sjt.
| W. BRIDGE
| 2nd Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry when he went out under heavy fire and carried a wounded officer of another regiment into safety. On another occasion also he did valuable work, and displayed great coolness.
| 11.3.16
|
| 12893
| Pte.
| F. BROWN
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Accompanying and NCO, he followed a Tank to its attack upon a hostile battery, keeping close behind. The Tank having fired a broadside, the two men charged the position and captured a gun and its team. They then proceeded to attack another gunpit, where the NCO was knocked senseless by a bomb. Pte. Brown then carried on by himself, and captured the gun team, six in all, single-handed. He then attempted to mount a wounded horse, and do further good work, but was unable to manage it, so returned to his company, whither the NCO shortly followed him. The dash and determination of these two men was nothing short or marvellous.
| 16.8.17
|
| 240926
| L/Sjt.
| J.H. BROWN
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Under heavy fire of all kinds he took command and reorganised the men around him and by his promptitude and splendid example largely assisted in the capture of the enemy trenches.
| 18.7.17
|
| C
|
| 16231
| Cpl.
| H. CARTER
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Accompanied by a private soldier, he followed a Tank to its attack upon a hostile battery, keeping close behind. The Tank having fired a broadside, the two men charged the position and captured a gun and its team. They then proceeded to attack another gunpit, where Corporal Carter was knocked senseless by a bomb, but recovered to find his comrade had captured this gun team, six in all - by himself. The dash and determination of these two men were nothing short of marvellous.
| 16.8.17
|
| 21280
| Pte.
| A. CARVER
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took charge of a machine gun and team, and commanded them with great determination. Although he and his gun were buried by shell fire, he extricated himself and gun and continued in action, although severely wounded in the leg.
| 18.6.17
|
| 13345
| Pte.
| R. CASSON
| (Carlisle)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This man, who has served continuously with the battalion since 1914, has been company ‘runner’ for a long time. In the many engagements in which he has taken part his behaviour under fire has been at all times an example to those about him, and he has never failed to deliver a message that has been entrusted to him.
| 21.10.18
|
| 5653
| CSM
| F. CHALLEN
| (Woolwich)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Often, when wiring had to be carried out under heavy shell fire, he took charge of officers’ parties, and it was mainly due to his courage, energy and determination that long lengths of wire entanglements were erected in a very short space of time. His utter disregard for his own safety set a fine example to his men.
| 21.[?].16
|
| 9429
| A/Sjt.
| C. CLARKE
| attd. Wilts. R. (Carlisle)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as acting RSM. He worked untiringly in getting ammunition to companies during very heavy fighting. Later, when battalion headquarters was surrounded and all the officers killed or wounded, he made a courageous stand, and was the last man to leave, after which he did excellent work in rallying men of other regiments and in taking up another position of defence. His tenacity and leadership were most marked throughout the day.
| 3.10.18
|
| 9429
| A/Sjt. (A/RSM)
| C. CLARKE DCM
| attd. 1st Bn. Wilts. R. (Carlisle)
| During the period under review he has acted as RSM to the battalion, and in that capacity he has shown the greatest devotion to duty in all his work. When in the line his conduct under heavy shelling has been splendid. On 27th May 1918, near Beuffignereux, when the battalion had been practically surrounded by the enemy, he collected a party of stragglers and succeeded in holding up the enemy for some time. When retirement became necessary he withdrew his party with great skill, displaying marked powers of Leadership.
| 3.9.19 BAR
|
| 2873
| Pte.
| D. CLARKE
| Special Reserve attd. 2nd Bn.
| For gallant conduct on the 18th December 1914, at Rouges Bancs, in advancing with great gallantry to within ten yards of the enemy’s trenches and assisting another man to rescue a wounded officer.
| 1.4.15
|
| 26859
| Sjt.
| F. CLEGG
| 8th Bn. (Kendal)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 22nd October 1918, near Klaadestraat. When a platoon had lost its commander and several officers from heavy machine-gun fire, he took over command of the remainder and led them forward most gallantly. Later, he collected the remainder of another platoon under machine-gun fire, and led them forward with his own men. Later again, when the enemy attempted to counter-attack, he inflicted heavy casualties on them by Lewis-gun and rifle fire, compelling them to withdraw. Throughout the day he showed marked ability and leadership under the heaviest machine-gun fire.
| 2.12.19
|
| 20026
| Pte.
| S. CLEGG
| 2nd Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry when, with Private Dixon, he attacked the enemy who had entered his trench and bombed them out.
| 15.4.16
|
| 9089
| CSM
| F.J. COCKERILL
| 1st Bn. (South Tottenham)
| During the operations on 28th September 1918, at Hooge, he displayed most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Assisted only by Pte. Richardson, he rushed a pill-box and captured nine prisoners and one machine gun. Again, on the 30th September, during the attack he led forward a small party, capturing an enemy strong point and taking several prisoners and silencing the machine guns thereby enabling the advance to be continued. He did splendid work.
| 2.12.19
|
| 9811
| L/Cpl.
| J. COLEMAN
| 2nd Bn.
| For great gallantry and devotion to duty on the 16th May 1915, at Festubert, in helping to carry a wounded Officer from between the British and German lines under a very destructive fire. Later in the day, assisted by another man, he brought back over 50 wounded men, under intermittent rifle and shell fire.
| 5.8.15
|
| 18799
| Pte.
| J.COOPER MM
| 1st Bn. (U.S.A.)
| For most conspicuous gallantry and initiative near Courtrai on 14th October 1918. When his platoon was held by enemy machine guns he worked well forward under heavy fire, located the guns, and returned. In the attack on these guns he was one of the first to reach them, and killed two of the enemy gunners; the remainder surrendered. He did fine work.
| 2.12.19
|
| 25575
| L/Cpl.
| J.H.P. CORRAN
| (Darwen)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After being exposed to heavy and accurate shell fire for six hours, he pushed forward his Lewis gun team to within twenty-five yards of a strongly held enemy post, where he dug in and remained unobserved. On a hostile patrol approaching, he suddenly opened fire, killed three and wounded one, and then dashed out himself and took prisoner a warrant officer who was in command. He thus obtained most important identifications.
| 6.12.18
|
| 5060
| Pte.
| J. COWAN
| 3rd Bn. Attached 2nd.
| For conspicuous gallantry during a heavy bombardment. He dug out two comrades who had been buried regardless of personal risk, and later carried several messages under heavy fire.
| 15.1.16
|
| 21055
| L/Cpl.
| F. COX
|
| For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although wounded he constructed an emplacement in the captured enemy line, and remained in action with his machine gun for five hours under heavy fire.
| 3.3.17
|
| 8403
| Sjt. (A/CQMS)
| E.J. CRABB MM
| 7th Bn. (Kentish Town)
| For marked gallantry and able leadership during the attack on the Foret de Mormal on the 4th November 1918. Under heavy hostile machine-gun fire he rallied two sections which had become disorganised and successfully led them around the flank of the machine-gun position. By bringing intense fire to bear on them he caused the garrison to surrender and captured the machine gun, thereby enabling the company to continue the advance. He did excellent work throughout the operations.
| 2.12.19
|
| 21750
| Sjt.
| J. CREIGHTON
| (Silloth)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a raid. When his platoon was held up by wire and very heavy machine-gun fire, he collected some stray men, forced his way through the wire, and led his party with the greatest dash to success. Afterwards, his mopping-up work and clearing up of the enemy strong points was very effective. He set a fine example to all of courage and good leadership.
| 15.1.18
|
| D
|
| 5180
| CSM
| V.H.S. DAVENPORT
| 2nd Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry on numerous occasions, especially on 28th October 1914, when he went alone under heavy fire and destroyed one of the enemy’s machine guns.
| 1.4.15
|
| 5180
| Sjt. Major
| V.H.S. DAVENPORT DCM
|
| For gallant conduct and devotion to duty on the 16th May 1915, at Festubert, when, assisted by another man, he carried back an officer who was wounded, from half way between the British and German lines, under a very heavy and destructive fire.
| 5.8.15 BAR
|
| 2747
| Pte.
| G. DAVIS
| (Bishopstoke)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This man has not left the battalion for a single day since the outbreak of hostilities. When the battalion was without either a quartermaster or a regimental quartermaster-serjeant, he carried out the combined duties with great ability and success. He has set a magnificent example of faithfulness and loyalty to the battalion.
| 17.4.18
|
| 30158
| Pte.
| J. DIXON
|
| For conspicuous gallantry in action. When with an isolated party he displayed great courage and determination in getting through the enemy’s lines under most difficult conditions and reporting the situation to Brigade Headquarters. He set a splendid example of courage and endurance.
| 13.2.17
|
| 6211
| Pte.
| R. DIXON
| 3rd Bn. Attached 2nd.
| For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. When a party of the enemy entered our trench he organised and led a bombing party, which drove them out. He then took command of all near him, organised the defences and established communications.
| 15.4.16
|
| 19799
| Sjt.
| G.W. DODDS
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his officers had been killed he took command of a half company and consolidated an advanced position, making his dispositions for defence, reconnaissance, and a subsequent withdrawal with the utmost skill and coolness. His courage and fine leadership inspired confidence in all his men.
| 25.8.17
|
| 9074
| Sjt.
| C. DONNITHORNE
| Depot, (formerly 1st Bn.)
| For conspicuous gallantry on the 21st August 1915, at Suvla Bay, when he displayed great courage and powers of leadership in command of the most advanced portions of the firing line.
| 11.3.16
|
| 11370
| Pte.
| P. DUFFY
| (Ballagdeen)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a raid. He was one of the relay post of stretcher bearers, and under heavy trench mortar barrage, which killed the medical officer and others, he continued at duty dressing the wounded. He and another bearer carried down a stretcher case and he led back a squad of bearers. It was due to his energy and disregard for his own safety that the wounded were got back without loss of time.
| 15.11.18
|
| 7/6491
| Colour-Sjt. (A/CSM)
| J. DUGGAN
| 7th Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry, when, during a very heavy bombardment, he attended to and cheered the wounded. He set a fine example of cool bravery.
| 15.3.16
|
| 8221
| S/M
| J. DUKE
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has displayed great courage and determination in bringing up supplies often under heavy fire, and has set a fine example to all.
| 9.7.17
|
| E
|
| 7/14805
| Pte. (A/Cpl)
| J.S. EWING
| 7th Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry when, though badly shaken by the explosion of a mine by the enemy, he assisted to lead the bombing attack by which we secured the crater.
| 15.3.16
|
| F
|
| 12519
| Pte.
| J. FELL
| Depot (formerly 7th Bn)
| For conspicuous gallantry and good work in bombing operations against the enemy on several occasions.
| 11.3.16
|
| 19802
| Pte.
| T. FENTON MM
| (Davenport)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid. He displayed courage and determination in a marked degree in leading his party over most difficult ground, capturing an officer and lending the utmost help to his commanding officer. He has distinguished himself on many occasions.
| 3.10.18
|
| 29748
| [?-L/CCD]
| FERGUSON MM
| 1st Bn. (Manchester)
| For conspicuous gallantry and initiative near Salines on 14th October 1918. When the line was held up by machine-gun fire from the houses in the village, he dashed forward with his Lewis gun and brought enfilade fire to bear on the enemy, forcing them to withdraw. As the enemy retired, he rushed after them, firing his gun from the hip, and succeeded in killing four. His prompt act of courage enabled the advance to continue.
| 2.12.19
|
| 33857
| L/Cpl.
| F. FILDES
|
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the absence of an officer and all NCO’s, he took charge of his party and led then most gallantly. Later he volunteered as a stretcher-bearer, and was of the greatest assistance. He also went out alone and under heavy fire brought in several wounded men. He undoubtedly saved many lives by his courage and coolness.
| 16.8.17
|
| 625
| L/Sjt.
| J. FLETCHER
| 5th Bn. TF (Cumberland)
| For consistent good work. On one occasion he volunteered and carried wounded men to the Dressing Station by daylight and under heavy fire.
| 11.3.16
|
| 6403
| CSM
| T.E. FLETCHER MM
| (Birmingham)
| For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in reorganising his company twice before the final objective was reached. When a strong position was holding up the advance with machine-gun fire he worked forward with a few men and a Lewis gun and captured it with thirty-five prisoners.
| 4.3.18
|
| 9318
| L/Cpl.
| W. FOX
| 1st Bn.
| For conspicuous gallantry. On four occasions he went back under heavy fire and brought up ammunition and reinforcements. He also carried a message under very heavy fire.
| 16.5.16
|
| 10180
| L/Sjt.
| A. FRIEND
| 1st Bn.
| For gallant conduct on the night of 10th-11th June 1915, during operations near Krithia (Dardanelles) in volunteering to take command of a party to capture a Turkish trench. He led his party forward under heavy fire, and cleared the enemy out with the bayonet. He also did splendid work in keeping the enemy back with rifle fire until bombs could be brought up. He was always in the front, and the success was greatly due to his vigour and resource.
| 5.8.15
|
