"The enemy made no move on the 17th, but the men were on the qui vive all day. Orders were issued that another attack was to be made the following day, but these were eventually cancelled.
Rain fell again heavily during the night of the 17th; the trenches became waterlogged and many rifles unworkable. The enemy showed signs of having been reinforced, and about noon the following day heavy enemy bombing started, the object of the raiders being the left of the Battalion, which rested near the junction of the old German first-line trench and a communication trench. No.5130 Serjeant Healy came under the personal observation of the Commanding Officer, as did No.7850 Private Harmon, for the reckless bravery they displayed both in repelling the enemy's raids and carrying out their own. They received the D.C.M. and M.M. respectively." During this action Sgt. Healy captured a machine-gun and five prisoners. Source : History Of The Royal Munster Fusiliers, Vol II By Capt. S. McCance. Printed by Gale & Polden Ltd., Wellington Works, Aldershot 1927
"Established in 1854, the Distinguished Conduct Medal is conferred, originally, for recognition of distinguished, gallant, and good conduct in active duty. Since the Crimean War, the DCM has been awarded for almost every Army campaign. The decoration is circular and bears the image of the sovereign, inside an extended Royal Cypher. The reverse bears the words "For Distinguished Conduct in the Field." The ribbon is crimson with a broad central navy-blue stripe."
The front face bears the royal effigy and caption, eg 'GEORGIUS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:'.The reverse bears the inscription 'FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD'.
Source : The World Phaleristic Guide
Source : Hampshire Museums Service
