Lot 4182

Description

Pair: Distinguished Conduct Medal (GVR); Military Medal (GVR). 4071 Sjt P.J.Boyce M.M. 18/Aust Inf on first medal, 4071 Sjt P.J.Boyce 18/Aust Inf on second. Both medals impressed. Very fine.

4071 Sjt Patrick Joseph Boyce, Enl.05Nov1915, RTA 18Dec1919. DCM LG 03Oct1918 'For conspicuous bravery and leadership. This N.C.O. was in charge of a section of a silent raiding party of 1 officer and 18 O.Rs who left our trenches at about 11.50 am on 18th May 1918 near Morlancourt and raided an enemy strong point. He organised his party at very short notice and led them in daylight across 90 yards of level No-Mans-Land without covering fire. The marked courage and leadership displayed by this N.C.O. in handling his party contributed materially towards the capture of 23 prisoners and 1 machine gun and getting his party back to our trenches without casualties to themselves. Four of the enemy were left dead in the strong point. Important identifications were obtained. On night 18/19th instant after the attack had gone forward, he was one of a very small party which mopped up parties - 16 in all - with a machine gun, who were sniping the troops consolidating. On the 18th instant, he, with one other, located an enemy post and brought in a machine gun'. MM LG 12Jun1918 'On the morning of 27th instant, our patrol encountered a strong enemy party on the Wambeek (Messines sector). The patrol officer was engaged in an effort to silence a hostile machine gun and left Sgt Boyce in charge of the main patrol. By his dash and determination the Sgt brought his men into contact with the enemy and broke their patrol up. Four of the enemy were killed, one was taken prisoner and some wounded'. Mentioned in C.W.Bean's 'Official History of Australia in the War 1914-1918' Vol V pg105, also 'Hells Bells and Mademoiselles' pp.176-177. Together with fourteen pages of research including four pages of Service Record.