Description
Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1915 Star, British War & Victory Medal, 1937 Coronation Medal, Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal bar Regular Army, Colour Sergeant William Hampston, 2nd Bn East Lancashire Regiment.
DCM off impressed: “19477 Pte W. Hampson. 2/E. Lanc: R.”
Trio off impressed: “19477 Pte. W. Hampson. E. Lan. R.”
1937 Coronation unnamed as issued.
LSGC officially impressed: “3377957 C. Sjt W. Hampson. D.C.M. E. Lan. R.”
A good example with DCM post nominals impressed on rim.
Distinguished Conduct Medal D.C.M. announced in the London Gazette, 16th May 1916 citation:
“For Conspicuous Gallantry in repeatedly carrying messages across the open during a very heavy bombardment after the wires had been cut.”
A remarkably quickly processed award, having been earned for his bravery on 5th April 1916 at “Souchez near Noulette”.
1937 Coronation confirmed on the medal roll as a Civilian “Assistant Accountant.”
With copy photograph of him in Sergeants Uniform wearing his DCM & Trio circa 1924 after the birth of his daughter.
With folder of copy research, covering most details, birth, marriage, death, medal rolls, index card, census, London Gazette entries.
William first entered into the war in France on 25th March 1915.
THE DAY OF HIS BRAVERY
The award of the DCM was for his bravery in carrying messages across the open while the Battalion was stationed in the trenches at Souchez, the war diary entry for the day sets the scene, as Aerial Torpedoes rained down on the battalion:
“5th April, Cold and Cloudy. Enemy shelled the right front company with 15 pounders from 730 to 815 am. At 9.15am they opened with Aerial Torpedoes on the same place, continuing until about 10.45am.
In all about 40 or 50 Torpedoes were fired considerable damage being done to the trench, which was practically destroyed in parts.
3 men were killed and wounded, retaliation from our artillery was asked for, and obtained at 10.45 am.
Enemy were again quiet during the night, with the exception of one sniper, who fired regularly at the portion of the trench which had been damaged. Work on trenches and on the damaged parapets was carried on after dark – more were put out in front of D company.”
It would appear that the “retaliation from our artillery” was courtesy of Pte Hampson’s messages, as this occurred during the heavy bombardment, which had likely taken out the communication wires.
PERSONAL LIFE ETC
William was a Manchester man, born in Chorlton on Medlock, Manchester during 1892.
Son of John Hampson and Catherine Coady, both born and lived in Manchester.
Married his wife Kate Turner during 1923 in Lambeth, the photograph appearing to be just after the birth of his 1st child, Catherine Alice, born 1924 in Aldershot, Hampshire.
He later died in Manchester during 1953.
