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Arthur Crutchley, Bellenglise, Distinguished Conduct Medal, medal card, National Archives, South Staffordshire Regiment
According to J. C. J. Elson’s Honours and Awards: The South Staffordshire Regiment 1914-1918, a Sergeant A. Crutchley from Wolverhampton, of the 1/6th Battalion, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions in 1918. His citation in full, that appeared in the London Gazette on 9 March 1920, reads as follows:
During the attack at Bellenglise on 29tb September, 1918, he took command of the platoon at a critical stage of the advance, and led them, to the final objective in face of very heavy fire. His entire disregard of personal danger was a very fine example to his platoon.
James P. Jones’s A History of the South Staffordshire Regiment (1705-1923), gives the following detail about the Capture of Bellenglise:
Bellenglise lies a few miles north of St. Quentin, and was a very strong position. It was the key of the German position and once the canal was forced there the defences on either side would be turned.
Searching for Crutchley’s medal card using his Regiment Number (241396) reveals that his first name was Arthur. There are two possible Arthur Crutchleys born in Wolverhampton, one in 1887 and one in 1891, so it is unclear which one this was. If anybody can provide any further information about this man, we would love to receive it!
Wolverhampton's War 
My Grandfather received the Military Medal in the operations north of Bellenglise. Details on my web site at http://www.tameclan.me.uk/tamebob/GHTame.htm
Thank you very much for your information, Bob. Would we be able to use some of this information and feature your grandfather on a future blog post please? We are always keen to hear more stories!
Yes that would be ok. At some time I intend to come to Wolverhampton Archives to try to get a copy of the whole page of the newspaper article.
my granddad sgt john jones reg num 57232 awarded MM,,,,,,6th south staffs,,,later transferred to royal field artillery….anyone any info please,,,,,,