Sjt. George Kitchen, 1/5th West Yorks. Regt.

[BereniceUK]

He was awarded the DCM for bravery at Thiepval on September 28th 1916 and a second DCM for further bravery a few days later.

Does anyone have any details of either or both incidents?

George was a resident of Wetherby and inside the Town Hall is a citation from Wetherby Parish Council dated 5th February 1918 which reads "It has been the wish of the Council from the earliest days of the War to take a special interest in the Wetherby men who have nobly gone forth to do battle for the right.

The difficulty of taking any definite action would be apparent when it is realised that in a War of several years duration no procedure can be arranged which would pay a tribute of admiration on an equal degree to all our young men in service.

They are scattered through the various units fighting in Flanders and Eastern Europe, in Asia and in Africa.

Only a small proportion can come home on leave to receive an acclaim which they richly deserve but which must be left until the final home coming.

When that time comes no effort will be spared to prepare a welcome for our returned heroes and to give expression to the public feeling of enthusiasm and profound gratitude only turned towards all those - many of whom will never return - who have so nobly defended our homes against a powerful & inhuman foe.

We do however wish to mark the occasion of your receiv-ing special honour for valiant service at the hands of the Army Chiefs & to congratulate you most heartily in the name of the Town of Wetherby on achieving a distinction for bravery & other soldierly qualities.

You have received honour for noble deeds and the honour is reflected on your family & on the town in which you live.

We devoutedly hope that you may survive the horrors of War and may be fortunate enough to return in good health to your friends and neighbours who are all proud of you and of the distinction which has been conferred on you."

[sotonmate]

DCM citations are on Ancestry UK.

[MickLeeds]

The citation I can find is dated 25/11/1916 and reads, 900, Sjt G Kitchen

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. Accompanied by one bomber, he worked up a trench to establish connection with a company on his flank. They captured 22 prisoners and killed or wounded 12 others."

I can't seem to come up with the second one on Ancestry.

Mick.

[Sepoy]

Here is the link to the London Gazette entry
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29837/supplements/11558

Sepoy

[BereniceUK]

The citation I can find is dated 25/11/1916 and reads, 900, Sjt G Kitchen

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. Accompanied by one bomber, he worked up a trench to establish connection with a company on his flank. They captured 22 prisoners and killed or wounded 12 others."

I can't seem to come up with the second one on Ancestry.

Mick.

His son has his medals, I'm hoping to be sent a photo of them. The second award is believed to have been awarded for gallantry in a similar situation as the first but on his own that time.

[sotonmate]

I found no second citation either.

[Sepoy]

Berenice

Glancing in Rob Walker's publication "Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal 1914 - 1920" Sergeant Kitchen was only awarded the DCM once. Also I can only see the one award in the London Gazette.

Where did the information that he received a second award come from???

Sepoy

[BereniceUK]

The info about the awards came to me from George Kitchen's grandson and he says the second DCM is signified by the addition of a "bar or laurel leaf" to the medal.

[Sepoy]

The bar to the DCM, to around 1916, bore the date of the action in which the award was made ie "25th September, 1915". These dates bars are quite rare. The usual second award bar is silver and bears a double laurel spray.
see http://www.medals.me.uk/DCM%20&%20MM%202nd%20award%20bar434.jpg

If someone was mention in despatches (which should show up in the London Gazette) this is marked by single bronze spray of Oak leaves.

It may be worth posting a scan of the Medals.

Sepoy

[spof]

The citation I can find is dated 25/11/1916 and reads, 900, Sjt G Kitchen

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. Accompanied by one bomber, he worked up a trench to establish connection with a company on his flank. They captured 22 prisoners and killed or wounded 12 others."

I can't seem to come up with the second one on Ancestry.

Mick.

This was for action on 28.9.16 at Schwaben Redoubt according to the DCM Registers held at The NAtional Archives in WO 391.