John George Wilkinson
Bishop Auckland man served with 18th and 20th DLI won DCM during the '100 Days Offensive'
Not much can be confirmed about John George Wilkinson’s background apart from his army service as his was quite a common name. He enlisted in the 18th (Durham Pals) Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI) early in the war and landed in Egypt on 22 December 1915. Subsequently he went to France and was transferred to the 20th Battalion where he rose to the rank of corporal. In September 1918 he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) during the ‘100 Day Offensive’ near Wytschaete in an action at a similar time to Sergeant H Ebbs, also of the 20th Battalion.
His award of the DCM was gazetted on 5 December 1918 and the citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at ‘Purgatory’ in September 1918. When two Lewis gun teams were knocked out, and the enemy were bombing the position, this N.C.O. rushed forward alone and brought one of the guns into action again. He kept it in action until he was severely wounded, both legs being broken. By his timely initiative he saved a critical situation’.
Civil Parish: Bishop Auckland
Armed force/civilian: Army
Military service:
18th (The Pals) & 20th Battalions Durham Light Infantry
Regimental no.: 18/1153
Corporal
Medal(s): Distinguished Conduct Medal
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Gender: Male
Contributed by John Edwards
