The D.C.M. and M.M. group of five medals to Corporal Wilfred 'Jimmy' Hands

The D.C.M. and M.M. group of five medals to Corporal Wilfred 'Jimmy' Hands, 1/18 Battalion London Regiment (London Irish Rifles): Distinguished Conduct Medal, George V (2349 PTE W.C. HANDS. 18/ LOND: R.-T.F.); Military Medal, George V (2349 L. CPL W.C. HANDS. 1/ 18 LOND: R.-T.F.); 1914-15 Star (2349. PTE. W. C. HANDS 18 - LOND. R.), British War Medal 1914-20; Victory Medal (2349 CPL. W. C. HANDS. 18 - LOND. R.), pitting and edge bruising to Victory Medal, otherwise all about very fine or better. [5]

M.M. London Gazette: 03/06/1916

D.C.M. London Gazette: 24/06/1916

Wilfred Hands was awarded the D.C.M. for action at Carency, 10th May 1916, "For conspicuous gallantry during a bombing attack by the enemy. Though wounded at the commencement of the attack he remained commanding his bombing post, and by his fine throwing contributed much to our success. He also exposed himself in order to observe the enemy."

The battalion war diary records that on the 10th "Bombing attack reported on new cut & Mildren crater. Batt[alion] replied hotly with bombs - Enemy then called on his artillery.......intense and fierce fighting...."

An earlier display of bombing prowess is indicated by a reprint of a cartoon, displayed by the collector together with the medal group. It identifies Hands as having taken part in the celebrated silencing of a German strong point (Valley Cross Roads) during the battle of Loos, 25th September 1915. This appears to be a possible occasion for his M.M., which was announced in the first London Gazette used for this award, covering deeds performed on the Western Front during the preceding years of the war.