For conspicuous gallantry, leadership and personal example during an attack on the 21st August and subsequent operations. This N.C.O. while in command of a platoon personally took a machine-gun post, rushing the garrison with his rifle and bayonet. The enemy, on seeing his advance, scattered to throw hand-grenades at him. Regardless of danger he shot and killed at least six of the enemy. Having done this he ordered his men to follow him, and mopped up two more machine-gun posts, again killing and capturing some of the garrison himself. A little later, seeing another platoon requiring assistance, he led his men to them, took command of the situation, and captured the objective, again killing many of the enemy himself. During the enemy counter-attack on the 22nd August he led a section forward and regained the line where it had been penetrated on his platoon front. This N.C.O.’s personal example of bravery, skill and initiative is worthy of the highest praise and reward. His conduct throughout exemplified magnificent courage and skill with his weapons, and in addition he displayed marked tactical ability and command. All men around him were greatly inspired by his leadership and example. At 2.30 a.m. on August 22nd the enemy artillery opened fire, and for an hour and a half the infantry along the whole of the divisional front and the batteries around Serre were vigorously bombarded, mainly with gas-shells. At 4.15 a.m. the expected counter-attack was delivered, and was repulsed with very heavy loss to the enemy at all points except at the Dovecot. The Germans debouching from Miraumont were shattered by steady, well-aimed fire from rifles, Lewis-guns, and machine-guns. The four guns of the section of “B” Company, M.G. Battalion, attached to the 125th Brigade, had been taken forward in front of the infantry, and these, assisted by flanking fire from “C” Company’s machine-guns, with the 127th Brigade, completely broke up the attack on the right. On the left, however, posts of the 7th L.F. at the Dovecot were overrun after bitter fighting by overwhelming numbers, but the enemy was held on a line which the battalion had consolidated the previous afternoon just west of and overlooking the Dovecot. Two platoons of the 10th Manchesters (this battalion having been placed under the orders of the 125th Brigade) gave great assistance.