sgt edwin j preece 4th battalion koyli

[vicki]

hi

vicki here trying to trace some infomation regarding my great grandad edwin joy preece he joined

the 4th battalion of the kings own yorkshire light infantry on the 26/07/1914 as a private he got

promotion to sgt but when and why i dont know he recevied the dcm but why again i dont know

plus he got an efficiency medal i have never heard of this medal or have any idea of what you

have to had done to get one any info would be much apprechiated

thanks

[Stebie9173]

Is this him?

London Gazette 29-8-1918

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the undermentioned Non-commissioned Officers and Men:

200037 Sjt. E. J. Preece, York. L.I. (Dewsbury).

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...&selHonourType=

The date of the Gazette would suggest that the medal was won around April / May 1918.

Citations were not published for Military Medals, so you may need to look at local newspapers of the time to research that one. A regimental history might give it a mention also.

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

And his Distinguished Conduct Medal:

London Gazette 30-10-1918

200037 Sjt. E. J. Preece, M.M., York. L.I. (Dewsbury).

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his platoon officer fell seriously wounded, close to the enemy's lines, during a raid, he took command of the platoon and led it forward with great determination, though he himself was wounded, and inflicted casualties on the enemy and captured prisoners. He displayed fine qualities of leadership and conspicuous gallantry and resourse.

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...&selHonourType=

Again, probably won in early 1918.

On 21st March 1918, the Germans launched a massive offensive and the British were on the defensive for several months before going on the offensive themselves in August 1918. This period of the war was quite different to the Trench warfare we think of during WW1, though there was still much trench fighting involved.

The Efficiency Medal would probably be the "Territorial Force Efficiency Medal", but I'll let someone with a better grasp of that one explain that.

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

The medal cards online at the National Archives for these gallantry medals probably won't add much more (except to confirm the unit at the time) but if you wan't to download them (£3.50 each) the links are here:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...=1&mediaarray=*

WO372/24 will be the Territorial Efficiency Medal.

WO372/23 x 2 will be DCM & MM.

His campaign medals card is this one I think. His number seems to have been put on the Index incorrectly.

Medal card of Preece, Edwin J

Corps Regiment No Rank

Yorkshire Light Infantry 20003 Private

Yorkshire Light Infantry 20003 Serjeant

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...&resultcount=12

Steve.