Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Sergeant John Billings, DCM, CdeG

Joined the 130th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 25 April 1916 (number 788632) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion in France on 14 or 15 November 1916 - wounded on 5 January 1917 - rejoined the battalion on 9 January 1917 - struck off the strength of the battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - medal citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations in the vicinity of Douai-Cambrai Road in front of Bourlon, on 29th September, 1918. All officers of his company having become casualties he assumed command of the company and did fine work against an enemy counter-attack, rushing up three Lewis guns and himself operating a gun which was almost immediately destroyed by hostile fire. He brought a second gun to bear against the enemy, and this also was knocked out. He opened fire with the third gun, and, not withstanding heavy enemy machine-gun and sniping fire, kept the gun in action, with the result that the counter-attack never reached our line. Throughout he showed fine courage and determination." - unit recommendation 5 October 1918: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, during operations in the vicinity of Bourlon, 29th Sept 1918."

Awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre - no citation - unit recommendation 5 October 1918: "For continuous good service and devotion to Duty."

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