King’s Colour and French Croix de Guerre Medal, 12th Battalion
Note the French Croix de Guerre Medal sewn onto the top right hand corner of the material. This decoration was awarded to the 12th Battalion, as a unit, for the attack on the “Grand Couronne” Doiran Front, Macedonia, September 1918.
The Battalion stormed the enemy position which was defended by concentrated machine gun fire, killed or made prisoners of all its defenders and then successfully fought off several enemy counter-attacks throughout the day until ordered to withdraw. Some 311 men were killed, wounded or recorded as missing and 4 were recaptured from the enemy. Twenty four individuals were also singled out for showing exceptional gallantry during the action.