1131 PTE V.THOMSON 2/R.HIGHRS. (on 1914 star)
Vance Porteous Thompson (correct surname spelling)
Born Greenwich 1890 but lived in Montrose & served with the Forfar & Kincardine Artillery (Militia) 1906
To France with 2nd Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 12/10/14
Wounded in the shoulder whilst saving Lieut G.A.Cammell 44th Battery R.F.A. on 1st day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle 10/3/15
Claimed to be the 'first Montrosian to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal' - DCM LG 8/6/16:
'For conspicuous gallantry on 10th March 1915, at Neuve Chapelle, when he went out 15 yards in front of his trench under heavy fire and brought in a wounded Officer. He was himself wounded whilst so doing.'
Note: Lieut Gerald Arthur Cammell 44th Battery R.F.A. was also decorated with the Military Cross for this action - MC LG 15/4/15: 'For conspicuous gallantry at Neuve Chapelle on 10th March, 1915. When employed as observing Officer he saw that the 2nd line of the 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles, had lost their British Officers and at once proceeded to lead the men. He went forward in the attack with 4 men under very heavy fire, but was wounded after going 20 yards, as were 3 of his 4 men'
Thompson then served in Mesopotamia & was wounded for 2nd time during the attempted Relief of Kut 1916
Drafted to Egypt 1917
Presented with his DCM by the Duke of Connaught in 1918 whilst he was a patient in the 15th General Hospital, Alexandria
Renumbered 621157 & transferred to the Labour Corps
His war pension ceased in 1924 & he suffered great hardship during the late 1920s
Served with Hammersmith Civil Defence Corps in WW2 & afterwards worked for the Air Ministry
Died Eton, Buckinghamshire 1951
His coffin was draped with the Union Jack from Hammersmith Town Hall - 'the privilege of a DCM' - before being buried in Mortlake Cemetery, London
With MIC, London Gazette details & Digital File of several related Newspaper articles & 3 Pension Cards
Condition: NEF
Note: The DCM Ribbon is for illustration purposes only
