Entrance
to Russell Park, Bedford c.1905 [Z1130/9/9/31]
Thursday
3rd October 1918: This morning a medal presentation ceremony
has taken place in Russell Park, Bedford. A large number of troops marched
through the town shortly before 11 o’clock, headed by two bands of the Royal
Engineers. The medals were presented by the General Officer Commander-in-Chief,
Eastern Command, Lieutenant-General Sir C. L. Woollcombe. The General was
slightly late arriving as his car broke down between Bedford and Luton. The
Mayor and Mayoress of Bedford and their daughters were also present.
The medals awarded included
two Distinguished Conduct Medals. One was awarded to Corporal
H. L. Bavington of the Hertfordshire Regiment but presented to his mother, as
her son had since died of his wounds. The citation read: “For conspicuous
gallantry in action. He led a bombing party with great gallantry, and rendered
valuable assistance in the consolidation of the position. He has at all times
set a splendid example.” The second was presented to Sapper W. J. M. Baldy of
the Royal Engineers “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He kept up
communication all day while under fire from several directions, and in spite of
casualties among the signallers. He did consistent good work during a long
period.”
Other medals awarded at the
ceremony included the Belgian Croix de Guerre to Sapper J. McKeown of the
Biggleswade Depot; and the Military Medal and Bar to Sappers J. Layton, A.
Lough and A. H. Cornwall. Twenty one men received the Military Medal and one
the Good Conduct Medal. One of the recipients was Sergeant George Gazeley of
Westoning, one of the “Old
Contemptibles” who first joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1904 and served in
India. As a reservist he was called up at the beginning of the war, and by
October 1915 had already been wounded three times. He is now permanently
disabled after being badly hit in the leg last year. Two other Bedfordshire
Regiment men, Sergeant Bertie Pettingell of Hitchin and Private George Henry
Musgove of Kempston have also been serving since October 1914; Sergeant
Pettingell enlisted when he was only 17 years old.
Source:
Bedfordshire Standard, 4th October 1918
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