His MM citation appears in the Beds & Herts regimental
journal "The Wasp" of June 1928, which was
running a series of battalion histories. The award relates
to the action covered by the third para of Collings-Wells'
VC citation.
The 4th Bedfords and 1st Artists Rifles were ordered
to counter-attack along the railway between Bouzincourt
and Aveluy as it was under serious threat from the enemy
coming through and up from Albert. The attack started
on 27th March and was partially successful in preventing
further advance, although at some cost.
“The award to Pte/A/L/Cpl Le Gros indicates
that he managed to get his Lewis gun forward into a
small shell hole and observed the enemy sniping and
bombing a group just in front of him. He rushed his
gun forward and kept up a covering fire alone, while
the shell-hole group took up a position in the rear.
He then retired with his gun and was undoubtedly instrumental
in saving the lives of those mentioned. He was bombed
out of his position and only retired when it was impossible
to do otherwise.”
27th is significant as it was a VC action for the 4th
Bedfords, their Colonel, J S Collings-Wells earning
the award for his actions over the period 22-27 March
and in particular on 27th March.
4 x MMs and 2 x MCs for the 4th Beds for this same
period - of the MMs, two MM for 22nd-23rd and the other
two MM for the 27 th.
The London Gazette of 24th April 1918 gives the citation
for John's Victoria Cross as follows:
Collings-Wells: Captain (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel)
John Stanhope, DSO
"For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading
and handling of his battalion in very critical situations
during a withdrawal.
When the rear guard was almost surrounded and
in great danger of being captured, Lieutenant-Colonel
Collings-Wells, realising the situation, called for
volunteers to remain behind and hold up the enemy whilst
the remainder of the rearguard withdrew and, with his
small body of volunteers held them up for over one and
a half hours until they had expended every round of
ammunition.
During this time he moved freely amongst his
men, guiding them and encouraging them and, by his great
courage, undoubtedly saved the situation. On a subsequent
occasion, when his battalion was ordered to carry out
a counter -attack, he showed the greatest bravery. Knowing
that his men were extremely tired after six days fighting,
he placed himself in front and led the attack and, even
when twice wounded, refused to leave them, but continued
to lead and encourage his men until he was killed at
the moment of gaining their objective.
The successful results of the operation were,
without doubt, due to the undaunted courage exhibited
by this officer."
