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(Recommended for Distinguished Conduct Medal)
For conspicuous gallantry on November 1st 1917, S.W. of CITE ST. ELIE. About 3.30pm, 2/Lt. Simpson and Pte. Lilley crawled out of our trenches, over a crater, into the enemy's front line where a post was known to be held by night. They found the post unoccupied but there were several bombs laid out on the side of the pit. They took the bombs and returned. About 4.30pm the same two, accompanied by L/Cpl. Dixon, again crawled out and took up a position near the post, 2/Lt. Simpson going forward and finding that there were no signs of the enemy having discovered their previous visit. After waiting about an hour they saw six of the enemy approaching the post. After the third had entered the post, Pte. Lilley fired, and 2/Lt. Simpson rushed in firing his revolver, the other two followed close after him. 2/Lt. Simpson shot at one of the enemy, but his revolver then became entangled in the Germans' equipment and so he seized hold of him by the throat. Meanwhile L/Cpl. Dixon and Pte. Lilley opened rapid fire on the approaches as previously arranged. 2/Lt. Simpson was struggling with his German when he saw another coming to the rescue: he called out and this man was shot by Pte. Lilley. Eventually, the German, who was struggling with 2/Lt. Simpson, was killed. 2/Lt. Simpson and L/Cpl. Dixon attempted to get the body back to our lines, but it was too heavy and the enemy had opened heavy machine-gun fire. Consequently, having cut off identification, they returned. Three of the enemy were known to have been killed, and a valuable identification was obtained.
The above citation appears to have been summarised for the purposes of the London Gazette: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He went forward with an officer and one other man and took up a position close to one of the enemy's posts which was unoccupied. When a party of six of the enemy approached the post they attacked them, killed three of the enemy and obtained a valuable identification. He showed splendid courage and initiative.
Submitted 03/11/1917; Awarded Card of Recognition and D.C.M. on 17/11/1917, L/G 04/03/1918