Arthur Holmes from Castleford Distinguished Conduct Medal winner

[tonyfebruary]

My friend at work as asked me if I can find out anything about his Great Grandfather Arthur Holmes born Castleford 1888 and died in Castleford 1963 he told me his Grandfather had won a Distinguished Conduct Medal in World War One. I think I found his medal card his service number was S/3129  but there is a UK Citations of the Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914-1920 that I cannot see I think it is the same man I could tell my friend what his Great Grandfather won the medal for.

Any help would be much appreciated Tony

[Pennines]

There is an entry in the London Gazette Supplement of 16 Nov 1915;

[tonyfebruary]

Thank you very much Pennines that is excellent my friend said something about his Great Grandfather being gassed so it was in the rescue of the men.

Thanks again Tony

[Pennines]

Tony -- you should be able to find something out about the location mentioned in that report if you google it maybe (I haven't tried).

[MaxD]

You may wish to download the war diary for the period which will put the deed in context of what else was going on.  Here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14054084

There is a description of the efforts made that earned him the award.  The incident took place in trenches described in the diary as "east of Laventie".  The trench lines on this linked map are not from 1915 but otherwise you could find the area on a present day map (on the right)
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=15&lat=50.6244&lon=2.7771&layers=101464705&right=BingHyb

MaxD

[MaxD]

The "Red Lamp Salient" referred to in the citation is a wee bit further east that the area I cited on the link yesterday.  It included the Wick Salient and Fauquissart which are marked on the map in square 13 in this link.  Red Lamp corner can also be seen.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=15&lat=50.6137&lon=2.7984&layers=101464705&right=BingHyb

Again, the trench systems aren't those of Oct 1915, can't find a map with those!

MaxD

[Pennines]

What great information you have provided MaxD.

[MaxD]

My pleasure, always nice to get as full a picture as possible.

MaxD