252630 Sgt. Oscar Harmer DCM.British Army 16th (Cardiff City) Battalion Welch Regiment from:Cardiff My Grandfather, Oscar Harmer, was an original member of the 16th (Cardiff City) Battalionm Welsh Regiment. Oscar was the Battalion's Goat Major and appears in a number of photographs on parade with the Battalion's Goat.
On deployment to France in December 1915, he was appointed Lt Colonel Frank Gaskell's runner, and was present when Frank Gaskell was shot by a German sniper. Having looked at the Battalion's trench diary entry, they had been out inspecting an observation post. I understand the shot hit Frank Gaskell's ammo pouch which in turn exploded. My grandfather was also present at Frank Gaskell's funeral, although the diary had incorrectly misspelt my grandfather's surname (Hammer).
On 7th of July 1916 my grandfather took part in the fighting during the Battle of the Somme and was present when the Battalion took part in the fighting for Mametz Wood where they fought against the soldiers of the Prussian Guard. He was also present during the fighting at Pickem Ridge which was in the opening stages of the Battle of Passchendale.
As a result of restructuring within the Army, the Cardiff City Battalion was sadly disbanded in February 1918. My grandfather, by now promoted to Sergeant, was transferred to the 1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry where on 19th of September 1918 he was awarded the DCM.
The citation reads: 'For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the attack on Fresnoy-Le-Petite, 19th of September 1918, when all the officers of his company had become casualties, he reorganised the company and took command. Later, with half a platoon and one Lewis gun, he captured an enemy post, from which he silenced a hostile machine-gun with Lewis fire, and succeeded in keeping down the fire of enemy snipers. The post was repeatedly attacked by the enemy with bombs and rifle grenades, but chiefly due to his fine example and energy all attacks were repulsed, though nearly all his men were wounded. Eventually he successfully withdrew his men under cover of darkness.
|