Description
Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star (display copy, original being returned as un-issued and scrapped), British War & Victory Medal, France Croix du Guerre, 8264 Sergeant Thomas Gardner DCM MM, 12th Bn Highland Light Infantry.
DCM officially impressed: “8264 Sjt: T. Gardner. MM. 12/High: L.I”
MM Officially impressed: “8264 Sjt: T. Gardner. 12/High: L.I.”
BWM & Victory officially impressed: “8264 Sjt T. Gardner H.L.I”
Military Medal announced in the London Gazette, 18th June 1917.
Confirmed on the War Diary as awarded on 30th April 1917, suggested to be for the week earlier where the 12th HLI were sharply engaged at the Second Battle of the Scarpe on 23/24th April 1917.
Distinguished Conduct Medal announced in the London Gazette on 3rd September 1918, for service at Boire Sur Ancre on 23rd March 1918, just 2 days into the “German Spring Offensive” which left the Allied Army reeling, with the following citation:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when, with one other man, he advanced across the open at imminent risk of his life to a position from which fire could be directed against a machine gun which was harassing our troops. This he silenced. He remained in this position until dark, sniping the enemy, who were endeavouring to percolate into the valley.”
He was also Mentioned in Despatches for another action on 14th April 1915 in Field Marshal French’s report on operations of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle.
The War Diary writing his name amongst: “These name were sent in to the G.O.C. General Officer Commanding for specific acts of Gallantry and good work on the 12th inst”
As well as again on 22nd June 1915, in the MID List for the 1st Bn HLI.
Note 1914-15 Star is a copy Gap-filler, according to the Medal Index Card, he was only issued the DCM MM and Pair, the 1914-15 however was unable to be issued, being returned to the mint and later scrapped in 1936 as un-issued, the medals here represent his full entitlement.
With a large folder of detailed research including all his entries in the HLI Chronicle, medal roll entries, war diaries including catching his MM award etc.
Croix du Guerre is not confirmed, according to the file it came with the group so was mounted with it by the previous owner and is offered as a freebie, even if he clearly deserved it.
Thomas Gardner, a Glasgow Local, was clearly ready for the war, he attested for service on 10th August 1914, barely a week after the declaration of war by Britain, and already landed in France for active service on 10th January 1915.
During the war, he was a regular mention in the Casualty Lists from the Highland Light Infantry Chronicle, Being noted as Wounded in Action in the following issues:
April 1915, Wounded List as a Private, during this time fighting at Ypres at Gravenstaffel, the regiment recently fought at Neuve Chapelle during March 1915, he was soon after mentioned in despatches for this battle.
October 1916, Wounded list as Lance Corporal, during this time Fought on the Somme at Ancre, taking part ina recent attack on Martinpuich on 16th Sept 1916.
January 1917, Wounded list as Lance Sergeant, during this time heavily shelled at Martinupuich during December 1916.
October 1917, Wounded List as Private, during this time engaged at Ypres near Polygon Wood, and took part in a big attack on Beck House.
October 1918, Wounded list as Sergeant, whilst serving on the Hindenburg Line, shortly after discharged due to wounds.
With his 5th and final reported wound, he was awarded his Silver War Badge and discharged due to Wounds on 14th September 1918,
