Michael Brough (1897-1973)
Durham Light Infantry - Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal & Bar.
Born in 1897 in Stanley (probably Kip Hill), Michael Brough left school at 14 and worked as a miner before enlisting, aged only 16, in the 13th (Service) Battalion DLI on 5 September 1914.
Whilst serving with ‘A’ Company 13 DLI, he was awarded the Military Medal in August 1916 for his bravery near Munster Alley during the Battle of the Somme; the Bar to his Military Medal in October 1916 during the attack on Le Sars, Battle of the Somme; and the Distinguished Conduct Medal in May 1917 during a German raid on 13 DLI’s trenches at Hill 60, south of the Menin Road, near Ypres, when he gave “invaluable assistance to his platoon officer and throughout set a fine example”.
Sergeant Brough was later wounded and discharged from the Army in February 1919, aged just 23, and returned to work as a miner. During the Second World War, he served as a Special Constable. Michael Brough died in 1973.
In November 1915, Michael Brough had helped Michael Kenny bring in a wounded officer, Lieutenant Philip Brown, from No-Man’s-Land under heavy fire. Michael Kenny was awarded the Victoria Cross – the first awarded to the DLI during the First World War – but Michael Brough received no award for his bravery, although he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Where to look for more information about this person:
His medals are in the DLI Collection. https://www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc/dlimedals/
http://dlimuseum.durham.gov.uk/pgFullBiography.aspx?&BioId=2989&BioSurname=Brough&AZ=Y
London Gazette, 14 September 1916: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29749/supplement/8998
London Gazette, 9 December 1916: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29854/supplement/12059
London Gazette, 26 July 1917: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30204/supplement/7653
Civil Parish: Stanley
Birth date: 1897
Death date: 1973
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: Stanley.
Employment: Coal miner.
Military service:
Served as 17750 Private & Sergeant 13th (Service) Battalion DLI.
Medal(s): DCM, MM & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Defence Medal, Special Constabulary Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.
Gender: Male
Contributed by Durham County Record Office
