French and Other Decorations for the Bedfords

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Monday 29th March 1915: The President of the French Republic(1) has bestowed the decoration Medaille Militaire on the undermentioned NCO of the Bedfordshire Regiment, with the approval of His Majesty the King, in recognition of gallantry during the operations between the 21st and 30th August 1914: 9465 Sergeant P. J. Hunt

The Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to the undermentioned NCOs and men of the Bedfordshire Regiment for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Expeditionary Force

9165 Sergeant P. J. Hunt – on 24th August was in charge of the trenches after his officer had been wounded and, although once completely surrounded by the enemy, a mile in the rear of the 3rd Division Rear Guard, he effected the retirement of his platoon.

7814  Sergeant A. J. Mart – for gallant conduct on the 10th November in assisting to recover one of our abandoned machine guns, killing one German who was watching the gun. Sergeant Mart distinguished himself previously on dangerous services.

10129 Corporal P. G. Cyster – for gallantry on 10th November in assisting to recover one of our abandoned machine guns.

10234 Private A. E. Bentley – for gallantry under fire and remaining behind under a hot fire on the 12th October and helping to dress the wounds of three men whom it was impossible to move.

7536 Private R. Piggott – for gallantry under fire and remaining behind under a hot fire on 12th October and helping to dress the wounds of three men whom it was impossible to move.

8035 Private W. Falla – for conspicuous courage on 7th November when he led a charge on a trench occupied by the enemy. Reaching it first he blew it up, with the result that all the enemy were killed or captured(2)

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 26th March 1915

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(1) Raymond Poincaré, president from 1913 to 1920.

(2) Sadly he was killed on 28th June 1917 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial

Soldiers Take French Leave

Sunday 6th December 1914: At the recent Luton Borough Petty Sessions Private Samuel Spencer of the 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was charged with being a deserter. The defendant, who was wearing a medal ribbon, said he ought to have been at Bury Saint Edmunds. He put in for a pass four times and failed, so came away on his own – Evidence of arrest was given by Police Sergeant Hunt, who said the prisoner admitted that he had taken French leave and the prisoner was remanded for an escort.

Private William Sims was charged with being a deserter from the Royal Engineers. He joined in 1908 and was arrested in Maple Road by Police Sergeant Hunt when he admitted that he deserted while on a journey from Winchester to Bedford. He was also remanded for an escort.

Private Herbert Fisher, 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment, was charged with being absent without leave. He was found in Hastings Street by Police Sergeant Hunt, he first said he belonged to the West Surrey Regiment and was on sick leave. The Sergeant, however, found identification marks on his clothing and then he admitted the charge. The prisoner, who said he failed to return at the proper time because he had been enjoying himself too much, was remanded for an escort.

Mr. G. Warren said the Bench were sorry to see three such respectable young fellows not attending to their duties. They were not getting themselves fit for the defence of their country.

Source: Luton News 3rd December 1914