Great War D.C.M. Trio to L/Sgt John Purcell, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Great War ‘Conspicuous Gallantry’ Distinguished Conduct and Military Medal trio awarded to Lance Sergeant John Purcell, 1st Btn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry:
DCM, G.V.R. (10500 L. SJT J. PURCELL M.M I/SHROPS L.I); M.M.; and 1914 Mons Star (10500 PTE J. PURCELL 1/SHROPS L.I), mounted as worn (3).

John Purcell born 1894; disembarked as a Private on 12 Nov 1914 with 1st KSLI; also served with RAMC (205624). Both MM and DCM confirmed on rolls, further entitled to the 1914–18 War and Victory Medals (not present) and silver wound badge for a head gunshot wound. MM gazetted 30 Jan 1918; DCM on 12 Mar 1919.

DCM Citation: 'Near Fayet during an attack on the morning of September 24th 1918, after his platoon commander had been killed, he took command and led his platoon with most conspicuous gallantry and dash. On reaching the objective he found a number of the enemy posts still holding out. He organised bombing parties and stormed the posts. Getting ahead of his men he jumped on the parapet and single-handed bombed the enemy using enemy bombs when his own supply had failed. He continued this work all the time exposing himself to machine gun and snipers fire, until he was eventually wounded. He behaved splendidly.'

Edward 'Ted' Ernest Butler Collection.