WW1 DCM Group to CSM F.J. Meachin, Cheshire Regiment — Aided by Edith Cavell

Great War Distinguished Conduct Medal group to Colour-Sergeant Major F.J. Meachin, Cheshire Regiment, who was aided in escape from Belgium by British nurse Edith Cavell:

George V DCM (8353 C.S.M MJR F.J MEACHIN I/CHES. R); 1914 Mons Star with clasp (8353 SGT. F MEACHIN CHES. R); 1914–18 War Medal (8353 W.O CL. F.J MEACHIN CHES. R); Victory Medal (8353 W.O.CL. 2 F.J MEACHIN CHES. R); and George V Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (4114240 W.O CL. II F.J MEACHIN CHES. R).

Frederick J. Meachin enlisted in the Cheshire Regiment on 16 Aug 1914, B.E.F. at Mons, 23–24 Aug 1914. Battalion rearguard with 1st Norfolks and 119th Battery RFA. Surrounded after heavy fighting, the Battalion lost nearly 800. Captured and treated in a German field hospital at a convent, he escaped with Lt-Col Boger with Belgian civilian help, before reaching the Brussels clinic of Edith Cavell 1 Nov 1914. After being sheltered and treated for 17 days, Cavell arranged further help in their escape. Cavell’s ‘hotel register’ lists Meachin. Boger was recaptured, but Meachin crossed to Holland and returned to England (albeit initially detained on suspicion of desertion).

He soon rejoined his regiment. The DCM gazetted 25 Aug 1917: '8353 C.S.M. F. J. Meachin, Ches. R. 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon with great skill and dash after his officers had been wounded, and throughout the day he set an example of cheerfulness and gallantry which did much to encourage the men. He was invaluable in reorganising the company and making good the ground gained." It is not clear to what action the DCM Citation refers, but from the Gazette date, it is probably the assault on Vimy Ridge in Apri 1917 in which the 1st Cheshires were involved with the Canadians.

Edward 'Ted' Ernest Butler Collection.