checking this guy out for a mate as it is his grandad what can we find out about him especially his WW1 career
These notes were with the DCM
No. 19/685 Private William HARPER.
During the operations against BECOUS PLATE WEST of VIEUK BERQUIN on July 19th, 1918 Private HARPER was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section which was held up by flanking fire from a German Machine gun in the corn.
He halted his section and borrowed a rifle and bayonet and with a volunteer Pte COWLING. stalked the enemy gun through the corn and shot two of the enemy; the third was killed by Pte COWLING. Pte HARPER then rushed forward and discounted the gun. They then rejoined the section which by this time was out of touch with the flank patrols. While moving up his section to regain communication it was again subjected to heavy machine gun fire at about thirty yards range. Pte HARPER halted his section in a ditch and using similar tactics again stalked the enemy post with Pte COWLING. He shot two of the enemy, one being an officer, and Pte COWLING shot the other. He was unable to dismount the gun owing to the heavy fire from another machine gun of the enemy. The great courage and resource and marked initiative displayed by this soldier undoutedly saved his comrades from severe casualties and greatly facilitated the advance. Later Pte HARPER found a wounded comrade lying in a shell hole and tried to carry him with assistance of Pte COWLING- but owing to the serious nature of the wound the man could not be moved without a stretcher. Pte HARPER then went back and found a stretcher and bearers and guided them to the spot and the wounded man was carried in.
Recommended for D. C. M. 26-7-1918
Awarded D. C. M. Divl. R. 0. 8-8-1918
another note included with medal
Map Sheet 27 S.E.
WL/219
To O.C.
18th D.L.I.
On the 12th inst. Pte HARPER. W. 19/685 reported to me near X 27 b. My Battalion were then going into action.
From that time up till the morning of the 18th this man has done excellent work
W. Lewthwaite,
MAJOR,
O.C. A. Coy,
33rd Batt. M. G.
18/4/18.