11th Jul, 2019 11:00
The Medal Auction, including the David Mabon Collection
DCM and MM First World War group
DCM and MM First World War group, awarded to W-3350 Sergeant Frank Dronfield, Royal Field Artillery, comprising: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, War medal, 1914-15 star and Victory medal.
Note: Frank Dronfield was born in Holymoorside, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, on 22nd December 877. In the 1911 Census he is shown as working as a Gas Works Coke Heater, married to Harriet Annie (married on Christmas day 1903) with a four year old son Wilfred.
With the outbreak of the Great War Dronfield, who was serving with the Sherwood Forresters Yeomanry at the time, enlisted as a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery. He saw service with 505th Battery in 65th Brigade on the Western Front as a Corporal from 23rd December 1915.
The Derbyshire Courier records on 7th June 1919 that Dronsfield as Acting Sergeant Major was awarded the Military Medal for rescuing five comrades who had been buried. It was Gazetted for 23rd July 1919 which indicates being awarded prior to October-November 1918. Later they reported Dronfield was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for taking an 18 pounder fun into No Man's Land, where by its well directed fire at a farmhouse being used as a sniper's nest, it was demolished. He was personally congratulated by his General who said it was one of the finest pieces of work he had seen. Gazetted 3rd June 1919, citation reading 'He showed most conspicuous gallantry and perseverance on the night of 21st to 22nd October 1918 near Le Cateau, in getting his gun into action under heavy shell fire. He also maintained service of his gun during the barrage of 23rd October, although under constant machine gun fire. Throughout the whole operation he did excellent work.
Frank Dronfield returned to Holymoorside after the War and died in 1929 at the age of 49.
Sold for £1,700
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Auction: The Medal Auction, including the David Mabon Collection, 11th Jul, 2019
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Mon 8/7/19 9.15am-6.30pm
Tues 9/7/19 9.15am-12.00pm
Wed 10/7/19 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thurs 11/7/19 9.00am-11am
