DCM Group for the last stand of the 16th H.L.I at Frankfurt ...

Estimate

£2,000 - £2,500

DCM Group for the last stand of the 16th H.L.I at Frankfurt Trench, Battle of the Ancre, November 18th to 26th 1916. It is one of 11 DCM's personally recommended by General Sir Hubert Gough GOC 5th Army under AO193 of 1919. DCM officially impressed 43183 Pte. I. Fraser High: L.I. BWM & Victory (43183 Pte I W Fraser High L.I. DCM 'For Conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to duty in the defence of the position known as Frankfurt Trench November 18th to 26th 1916. Battle of the Ancre'. This gallant last stand at Frankfurt Trench near Beaumont Hamel is arguably one of the most gallant and courageous actions of the whole of the First War. In the last action of the Somme battles in 1916. 'D' Company of the 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry broke through the German lines and found themselves in Frankurt Trench. However, unbeknown to the Germans and British, when the battle subsided and the British were forced to retreat. This band of men, numbering approximately 100, which now included elements of the 11th Bn Border R found themselves completely cut off with neither Germans or British realising they were still positioned in and beyond the German lines. In the face of overwhelming German forces, and despite a number of failed rescue attempts and an offer by the Germans to surrender and get good treatment, which was refused. These men held out for 8 days in total under the most appalling conditions. During this time the Germans repeatedly attacked and bombarded the position killing and wounding a significant number of the defenders. Ultimately, what remained of the gallant defenders were completely overwhelmed on the 25th November with an attack, which came from all points of the compass. Eventually when the story of this action became known, General Sir Hubert Gough. GOC 5th Army was so impressed he personally sponsored the recommendation for awards to be granted under the Terms of AO 193. Interestingly the most accurate account that appears, is in the regimental history and was written by 27274 Pte Robert Manson who was awarded the DCM. His brother 27270 Pte James Manson who was also in the action and survived was awarded the MM. This is probably the only instance of two brothers gaining both a DCM and MM under AO193, for the same event.
The 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry - Battle of The Ancre: Frankfurt Trench: November 18th-25th, 1916. In total, one DSO, two MCs, 11x DCMs, 22x MMs and two Posthumous MIDs (downgraded VC recommendations) were made. We have been unable to find any other single action for the whole of the First War that resulted in so many awards being made to the participants who were captured. We believe that everybody who survived from the 16th HLI trapped in Frankfurt Trench was decorated. Sold with additional research including the account from the Regimental History of the 16th HLI and the latest DCM MM research from the Bate/Williamson DCM for one of the greatest last stands of the Great War (see also 'Epic Action of The Great War by R.W. Gould P133 onwards). Sold with research and copy photo of 16/HLI in 1915. (3)