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Gnr. John Frederick Symes DCM.
British Army Royal Field Artillery
from:17, Ancill Street, Fulham
John Frederick Symes was my Great Grandfather he was a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery he served in India, Mesopotamia and the Western Front,where he took part in the battles of Arras, Loos, Neuve Chapelle and Ypres. He later went with the Army of Occupation to Germany. He was demobbed in 1919.
John served with honours in WW1. In March 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the Field by his Major for Conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty during an enemy attack. The award was reported in the London Gazette issue No. 30879 page 97 published on 3rd September 1918. He helped in repelling the enemy by rifle fire and then assisted in dismantling a gun whilst under fire. His Officer Commanding having been shot in both legs was carried by John although surrounded by the enemy, under cover of the mist to the safety of the R.A.M.C.
John returned to England where the effects of the war took its toll and he went A.W.O.L. and was arrested by the Military Police, however his Commanding officer intervened and no action was taken against him, he then returned to action as the hero he was. Sadly I have been unable to trace his Army records.