WWI DCM & Bar, MM & Bar group to Pte Highmore A.S.C.

Alfred Ernest Highmore enlisted at Grove Park in the Army Service Corps, on 23rd March 1915. He was aged 35, trade listed as Motor Driver and he was living in Paddington. His military training was obviously short as he embarked on the S.S. "Viper" on 30th April 1915 and disembarked the following day in Rouen. On the 15th May he was posted to 1st/2nd (Highland) Field Ambulance with whom he was to display such distinguished service as an ambulance driver.

His first gallantry award was the Military Medal announced in the London Gazette dated 28th September 1917. This is likely to be an award for the early battles of Third Ypres. The Bar to the Military Medal was announced in the London Gazette dated 23rd February 1918. The Bar to the MM is listed on his service papers "For gallantry in the Field between Nov 20th and 24th 1917 by IV Corps Commander." This is a Battle of Cambrai award where 51st Division was heavily involved.

The Distinguished Conduct Medal was in the London Gazette dated 3rd September 1918:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. For 24 hours he worked the regimental aid-post and the front line, over roads under heavy fire, evacuating many severely wounded men. Was subsequently captured with a medical officer, but both escaped." The DCM is listed on his papers "For gallantry 9th-15th April 1918" and is a German Spring Offensive award. The Bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal was in the London Gazette dated 10th January 1920: "During the operations N.E. of Cambrai he displayed marked gallantry throughout the period extending from 12th to 28th October 1918. On the 12th he took his car into Iwuy, and although the village was being heavily shelled, brought away three loads of wounded. Throughout he carried out his duties in an exemplary manner."

He was discharged on 5th April 1919 aged 39 or 40. It is thought that there are only 15 other awards of DCM and Bar and MM and Bar. Of these one also received the VC and another received a second bar to the DCM, making only 14 recipients with this combination. It is unique to the Corp The group was offered in our February 15th 2012 auction, together with 10 copied pages of service record, copies of MIC, LG, etc. Estimated at £7,000, it realised £14,950.

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