Sgt James Marshall DCM

Sergeant James Marshall, DCM

The citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, published in the London Gazette September, 1918.

"11300 Sergt. J. Marshall, E. Lanc. R. (Burnley) This N.C.O. took charge of his platoon when the commander had been killed, and moved forward to a position that was being attacked by the enemy. Though troops in the line were falling back, he kept his men together and held the position until he was ordered to withdraw eight hours later, though during most of the time his right flank was quite unsupported. His intelligent grip of the tactical situation and his gallant conduct were of the greatest value."

Although no exact date is shown in the citation, the award was almost certainly for the fighting south east of Gomiecourt on the 25th/26th March, 1918, when the British were being forced back towards Courcelles le Comte during the German offensive. Regimental war diaries show this platoon moved forward and held their position for eight hours, thus enabling other troops to retreat and re-form a defensive line to the rear.

James Marshall is the grandfather of Margaret Harrison of Newton Aycliffe.

James Marshall medals

DCM, 1914/15 Star (Gallipoli), British War Medal, Victory Medal